Written by Shih-An Wang. The author explains how Taiwanese legal scholarship has shifted from foreign-centred doctrines to contextual, historically grounded approaches emphasising Taiwan’s layered legal identity. Through Tay-sheng Wang’s influence, legal history reveals law as dynamic and contingent. This perspective informs constitutional studies, highlighting democracy’s fragility, authoritarian legacies, and Taiwan’s evolving legal system as an ongoing, multi-layered narrative.
Written by Brian Hioe. Siraya civil society groups oppose a KMT proposal to create a “Pingpu Indigenous” category, arguing it undermines their full legal recognition mandated by a 2022 Constitutional Court ruling. The debate reflects ongoing struggles over identity, resources, and recognition amid shifting political dynamics and the KMT’s efforts to defund Indigenous institutions.
Written by Szu-Yu (Suzy) Chen. This article provides an overview of Taiwan’s legal landscape of the death penalty, focusing on the Constitutional Court’s Judgment 113-Hsien-Pan-8 (2024), which upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty while imposing strict procedural restrictions. It examines the historical context, legal shifts, and the current impact of 113-Hsien-Pan-8, highlighting its influence on Taiwan’s death penalty practices and the ongoing debate.
Written by Chien-Liang Lee. This article examines the evolution of Taiwan’s legal framework for climate change adaptation, identifying gaps between the current framework and the adaptation goals. It argues that the most critical missing link is the lack of robust normative connections between the various special administrative laws. It calls for more cohesive legal mechanisms to better connect multiple relevant sectors involved in climate adaptation actions.
Written by Cheng-Ching Lin and Grace Huang. The Judicial Reform Foundation (JRF) unites dedicated allies from Taiwan’s civil society to advance judicial reform. This article highlights their efforts and achievements in 2024, as well as their outlook for 2025. Despite the challenges posed by political turmoil in parliament, JRF remains committed to fostering public engagement, rebuilding trust in democratic governance, and upholding the rule of law.
Written by Shih-An Wang. This article examines the 2024 amendment to the Constitutional Court Procedure Act from the perspective of democratic backsliding. The author argues that the amendment demonstrates an alarming political attempt to undermine the Constitutional Court’s integrity and advocates for greater levels of public oversight to halt the derogation of democracy.
