貳過比較惡？：對前科作為量刑因子之理論依據及其影響性之反思

Is repeating a mistake worse: The Theoretical Basis and Impact of Prior Convictions as a Sentencing Factor from a Retributive Perspective

本文以前科與個案宣告刑的關係為主題，並設定前科影響量刑的「理論依據」及「影響性」為討論主題。本文將前科採廣義理解為先前犯罪紀錄，並確立在應報觀點下，根據罪刑均衡與行為責任理論的觀點來討論2個主題，而以「前科的存在如何影響後續再犯行為可非難性」作為核心理論問題。
首先，本文對被歸納為「再犯加重模式」，強調前科作為從重量刑因子的各理論進行分析。分析結果則指出，這些理論一部分實質上是從犯罪人性格及習性來論證前科對量刑的影響性，可能導致責任限定明確刑罰的功能減損，另一部分則未能充分論證為何先前犯罪的紀錄可推導出行為人應遵循特定義務或擁有較高的反對動機，因而無法充分說明為何有前科者再犯會具有較重的違法性或有責性，亦即其皆未能有效證成前科作為從重量刑因子。接著，本文針對「初犯減輕模式」進行檢討，指出此理論雖具啟發性，但存在將過誤概念過於單純化而忽略其多樣性的缺陷。而且，此理論推論減刑效果隨再犯漸失時，針對該效果的產生與適用，也未提出清楚的理論基礎與判斷基準。最終，以對當代理論的檢討為基礎，關於2項討論主題，本文提出2項宣稱作為結論：第一：前科不得作為從重量刑因子；第二：前科可能作為從輕量刑因子。

This paper focuses on the relationship between prior convictions and sentencing, setting the“theoretical basis”and“impact”of prior convictions on sentencing as the main discussion topics. This article adopts a broad understanding of prior convictions as previous criminal records and establishes a discussion of two key topics from the perspective of retributivism, based on the principles of proportionality between crime and punishment, as well as the theory of criminal responsibility. The central theoretical question is:“How does the existence of prior convictions influence the blameworthiness of subsequent recidivist behavior?”To explore the theoretical basis and impact of prior convictions on sentencing, the paper initially analyzes theories categorized under the“recidivist premium model,”which highlight prior convictions as an aggravating factor in sentencing. The analysis indicates that part of these theories essentially argues the impact of prior convictions on sentencing based on the criminal’s character and habits, potentially leading to a diminished functionality of criminal responsibility. Another part fails to adequately justify why previous crimes and their guilty verdicts could lead to an obligation not to reoffend or imply a higher motivation against committing crimes, thus failing to sufficiently explain why recidivists with prior records might possess a greater degree of unlawfulness or culpability, indicating an ineffectiveness of prior convictions as an aggravating factor. The paper then reviews the“Progressive loss of mitigation model,”noting that although this theory is enlightening, it simplifies the concept of a lapse too much and overlooks its diversity. Moreover, the theoretical inference that the mitigating effect diminishes as recidivism decreases lacks a clear theoretical foundation and criteria for determining its applicability and effects. Finally, based on a review of contemporary theories, the paper concludes with two assertions regarding the main discussion topics: first, that prior convictions should not, in principle, serve as an aggravating factor in sentencing; second, that prior convictions could potentially serve as a mitigating factor in sentencing.