This study explores the relationship between capital punishment and political approval in Taiwan, focusing on how executive decisions to authorize executions influence public opinion. Utilizing a regression discontinuity design (RDD), the research analyzes approval ratings before and after high-profile executions to assess causal impacts. The findings reveal that executive endorsement of capital punishment leads to short-term boosts in political approval, particularly among conservative and law-and-order-oriented demographics. However, the effect is nuanced, varying by timing, media coverage, and public sentiment surrounding the cases. These results offer important insights into the politicization of justice in democratic societies and the strategic considerations behind executive actions in Taiwan’s semi-presidential system.

Capital punishment, political approval, Taiwan, regression discontinuity, executive decisions, public opinion, criminal justice, democratic governance

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