Legislators Inquire About Caning as Crime Deterrent; Justice Minister Expresses Reservations
During a legislative session, legislators questioned Justice Minister Cheng Ming-chien about the potential use of caning to deter crimes such as fraud, child abuse, and sexual assault. Minister Cheng stated that the Ministry of Justice currently holds a reserved stance on caning, citing concerns about potential violations of international human rights covenants and the fact that only a few countries currently employ such punishments. The session also covered the Ministry of Justice's budget for fiscal year 2026 and other key policy initiatives.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 16:16
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 16:31 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 16:39 (7 min after Collected)
Legislators from the Kuomintang party, Lai Ssu-bao and Hung Meng-kai, questioned on April 30 whether caning could be used to deter criminal activities. Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien responded that the Ministry currently maintains a reserved attitude towards caning, citing concerns about potential violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and noting that only a few countries currently practice caning.
The Legislative Yuan's Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee convened on April 30 to review the Ministry of Justice's budget for fiscal year 2026. Minister Cheng and other officials were present to report and answer questions. Legislators from both ruling and opposition parties raised concerns on various issues, including prison human rights, judicial loopholes, caning, and smart prisons.
Regarding the budget allocation for fiscal year 2026, Minister Cheng reported that total revenue is estimated at NT$9.00886 billion, a decrease of NT$309.514 million (3.32%) compared to NT$9.3104 billion in fiscal year 2025. This reduction is primarily due to lower projected revenues from illegal fines and funds from deferred prosecution agreements.
As for expenditures, Cheng stated that a total of NT$50.803654 billion is allocated. This includes NT$33.677166 billion for personnel maintenance, basic operations, information equipment upgrades, building seismic reinforcement, and office building expansion, relocation, and renovation for the Ministry of Justice and its subordinate agencies. The remaining funds are allocated to support key policy initiatives.
Cheng outlined the key policy initiatives, which include strengthening anti-drug and anti-fraud strategies, continuing judicial reform, promoting human rights protection and transitional justice, improving anti-money laundering mechanisms, utilizing technology for prison management, promoting a "soft justice" policy, implementing the UN Convention Against Corruption, and advancing technology-based administrative enforcement measures.
During the session, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung inquired about the forensic science institute system and interpreter services. He noted that in his previous experience as a lawyer, interpreters often seemed like temporary workers and suggested the implementation of a professional interpreter system. Minister Cheng pledged to "work on it."
Taiwan People's Party legislator Chen Chao-hsiu raised concerns about human rights within correctional facilities, emphasizing the right to health and medical care for detainees. Citing a Control Yuan investigation report, she questioned the lack of clear standards for external medical treatment. Cheng stated that the Ministry of Justice would establish objective evaluation standards and optimize emergency medical transfer mechanisms to ensure that critically ill inmates receive timely treatment.
Kuomintang legislator Weng Hsiao-ling focused on the prosecutor's application for pre-trial detention. She questioned whether prosecutors could repeatedly appeal if a court disagreed with their detention request, potentially leading to an endless cycle, and whether the number of appeals should be limited. Cheng explained that current laws do not limit the number of appeals, which must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Limiting appeals would restrict prosecutors' oversight of judges, and the current system is not without an endpoint, as high courts can make their own rulings.
Lai Ssu-bao and Hung Meng-kai revisited the issue of caning, asking if it could enhance deterrence against crimes like fraud, child abuse, and sexual assault. Cheng reiterated his reserved stance, citing concerns about violating international covenants and the limited global adoption of caning.
Presiding over the meeting, Weng Hsiao-ling, the Kuomintang convener of the Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee, announced that the question-and-answer portion of the session was concluded. Budget proposals are due by 2:00 PM on May 14. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150430
The Legislative Yuan's Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee convened on April 30 to review the Ministry of Justice's budget for fiscal year 2026. Minister Cheng and other officials were present to report and answer questions. Legislators from both ruling and opposition parties raised concerns on various issues, including prison human rights, judicial loopholes, caning, and smart prisons.
Regarding the budget allocation for fiscal year 2026, Minister Cheng reported that total revenue is estimated at NT$9.00886 billion, a decrease of NT$309.514 million (3.32%) compared to NT$9.3104 billion in fiscal year 2025. This reduction is primarily due to lower projected revenues from illegal fines and funds from deferred prosecution agreements.
As for expenditures, Cheng stated that a total of NT$50.803654 billion is allocated. This includes NT$33.677166 billion for personnel maintenance, basic operations, information equipment upgrades, building seismic reinforcement, and office building expansion, relocation, and renovation for the Ministry of Justice and its subordinate agencies. The remaining funds are allocated to support key policy initiatives.
Cheng outlined the key policy initiatives, which include strengthening anti-drug and anti-fraud strategies, continuing judicial reform, promoting human rights protection and transitional justice, improving anti-money laundering mechanisms, utilizing technology for prison management, promoting a "soft justice" policy, implementing the UN Convention Against Corruption, and advancing technology-based administrative enforcement measures.
During the session, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung inquired about the forensic science institute system and interpreter services. He noted that in his previous experience as a lawyer, interpreters often seemed like temporary workers and suggested the implementation of a professional interpreter system. Minister Cheng pledged to "work on it."
Taiwan People's Party legislator Chen Chao-hsiu raised concerns about human rights within correctional facilities, emphasizing the right to health and medical care for detainees. Citing a Control Yuan investigation report, she questioned the lack of clear standards for external medical treatment. Cheng stated that the Ministry of Justice would establish objective evaluation standards and optimize emergency medical transfer mechanisms to ensure that critically ill inmates receive timely treatment.
Kuomintang legislator Weng Hsiao-ling focused on the prosecutor's application for pre-trial detention. She questioned whether prosecutors could repeatedly appeal if a court disagreed with their detention request, potentially leading to an endless cycle, and whether the number of appeals should be limited. Cheng explained that current laws do not limit the number of appeals, which must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Limiting appeals would restrict prosecutors' oversight of judges, and the current system is not without an endpoint, as high courts can make their own rulings.
Lai Ssu-bao and Hung Meng-kai revisited the issue of caning, asking if it could enhance deterrence against crimes like fraud, child abuse, and sexual assault. Cheng reiterated his reserved stance, citing concerns about violating international covenants and the limited global adoption of caning.
Presiding over the meeting, Weng Hsiao-ling, the Kuomintang convener of the Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee, announced that the question-and-answer portion of the session was concluded. Budget proposals are due by 2:00 PM on May 14. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150430
FAQ
What was the Minister of Justice's stance on introducing caning?
Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien expressed a reserved attitude towards caning, citing concerns about potential violations of international human rights covenants and the fact that only a few countries currently practice it.
What are the key policy priorities for the Ministry of Justice?
Key priorities include strengthening anti-drug and anti-fraud strategies, continuing judicial reform, promoting human rights protection and transitional justice, improving anti-money laundering mechanisms, utilizing technology for prison management, promoting a "soft justice" policy, implementing the UN Convention Against Corruption, and advancing technology-based administrative enforcement measures.
How did the Ministry of Justice's budget change for fiscal year 2026?
For fiscal year 2026, estimated revenue is NT$9.00886 billion, a decrease of NT$309.514 million (3.32%) from the previous year. Expenditures are budgeted at NT$50.803654 billion, with significant allocations for personnel, operations, and infrastructure improvements.