<論文>裁判員制度導入以前における日本の死刑制度の賛否に関する世論の分析 : JGSS累積データ 2000-2001 における死刑反対の根拠について

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine statistically the types of actual facts the abolitionists', assertions are grounded, and see whether they could argue rationally and reasonably enough to persuade their opponents before the introduction of the Saiban-in system in Japan. I apply logistic regression analysis using JGSS cumulative data (2000-2001). Japan is a retentionist developed country like the USA. While the use of capital punishment is generally accepted in Japan, there are a few opponents of the death penalty who have one or more grounds for their assertions. I identified four types of grounds for opposition to the death penalty which have been found in the results of previous studies, and then framed four hypothesis (Hl, H2, H3, H4) corresponding to the four types of grounds. For this logistic regression analysis, sex, age, educational background, the size of residential municipality, family income, job -- following the classification of the Social Stratification and Social Mobility Survey (SSM) -- are used as controlled factors. In addition, I also examine H1 (factors related to belief), H2 (factors indicating generosity toward the criminal), H3 (factors related to a socially vulnerable subject), and H4 (factors related to knowledge about the death penalty). The result of this analysis shows that the person who is prone to opposition to the death penalty has strong beliefs and is generous toward the criminal, but not critical of the Establishment and not eager to be informed. And if that person really desires to abolish the death penalty, he/she needs to be much more informed of the death penalty than his/her opponent.