The old gentleman carefully takes out a sheaf of yellowed papers, each carefully encased in a plastic case. These are his memories of the Revolution. Robert Badinter spent so much time with the philosophers of the Enlightenment that he always gives the impression of having sat at the Convention, when he was not yet in the Senate, and of having talked at length with Condorcet and Fabre d’Églantine in the avenues of the Gardens of Luxembourg. They are familiar shadows, which he gently caresses.
«Here is Condorcet’s arrest decree, issued by the Committee of General Security, on 8 July 1793, which fortunately I found. Here is one of his speeches, from 1791, magnificent. All this is very precious. »
The former Minister of Justice is now 88 years old, a tall and slender figure, with a slightly hard ear, a slightly less firm voice, but still sharp thoughts and easy laughter. The abolition of the death penalty, with the law of 9 October 1981, celebrates its 35th anniversary today and is, for Robert Badinter, the battle of a lifetime. He told it in two books, strong and touching, Execution (Fayard), in 1973, then Abolition (Fayard), in 2000, and has since patiently built his statue, from speeches to conferences, and throughout Europe.
“The murderer’s lawyer”
Robert Badinter talks willingly, but almost only about the abolition of the death penalty. This is the condition for an interview, the imprint it intends to leave on history, and above all an inexhaustible struggle: when almost two thirds of states have abolished, in theory or in practice, capital punishment, according to Amnesty International there are still 58 still resisting.
“And nothing, I mean nothing, compares to what I experienced in a provincial criminal court, with all these people screaming hate, screaming their heads off.”
Roberto Badinter
The commander is a bit annoying on the left. No Keeper of the Seals would risk admitting it: on the contrary, it is essential to obtain the great man’s anointing when arriving at Place Vendôme. He gives it willingly and makes it his duty not to speak badly in public about any of his successors. Including the most boring ones, which do nothing but highlight his stature – he who was probably, in the first years of François Mitterrand’s seven-year mandate, one of the most hated ministers, the embodiment of the alleged laxity of the LEFT, “the lawyer of the murderers”.
This is because he defended and saved six death row inmates, one after the other. “These will be my witnesses when I appear before the Lord. I am a modest sinner, like everyone else, the former minister smiles, but I have witnesses in my defence, certainly for most of the murderers. And nothing, I mean nothing, compares to what I experienced in a provincial criminal court, with all these people screaming hate, screaming their heads off. There was only one open door in the building. I had to pass through the crowd, and I assure you they looked at me without tenderness. »
What inspired Robert Badinter to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Robert Badinter, Expert on Abolition of the Death Penalty
Time.news Editor: Robert, thank you for joining us today. At 88 years old, your contributions to the fight against the death penalty are monumental. Can you share with us how your journey with this cause began?
Robert Badinter: Thank you for having me. My journey started long before I was thrust into political life—my passion for justice was ignited by the philosophies of the Enlightenment. I spent hours with the works of Condorcet and others, contemplating the essence of human rights and justice. It became clear to me that the death penalty contradicted the very principles I held dear.
Editor: You’ve been described as a man who embodies the spirit of the Revolution. What does this mean to you, especially in the context of your advocacy?
Badinter: It’s a profound connection. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity resonate deeply with the fight against capital punishment. I often feel as if I were walking those historic paths, discussing these ideas with the great philosophers of that time. They inspire me to continue this vital battle.
Editor: In your books, Execution and Abolition, you’ve recounted significant experiences surrounding the fight for abolition. What was the defining moment for you?
Badinter: The moment I realized the power of individual testimony in shaping public opinion—particularly during the debates in the Senate over the abolition law in 1981—was pivotal. The law itself was less important than the narratives we shared, the lives we saved by voicing our opposition to the death penalty.
Editor: It’s now been 35 years since the abolition of the death penalty in France. What reflections do you have on this significant milestone?
Badinter: While celebrating this milestone, I recognize the ongoing struggle. Although approximately two-thirds of countries have abolished the death penalty, there are still 58 nations that actively impose it. Our work is not done. Each life still on death row, each execution that takes place, reminds us how fragile this victory is.
Editor: How do you foresee the future of the death penalty globally? Are we moving closer to global abolition?
Badinter: I remain cautiously optimistic. The global trend is in favor of abolition, particularly among younger generations who understand the moral arguments against it. However, it requires continuous advocacy, education, and boots on the ground—a collective effort to reshape societal views.
Editor: Your insights are incredibly valuable, Robert. What message would you like to impart to activists today?
Badinter: I urge them to remain steadfast and passionate. Every effort counts. Engage people with stories, challenge the status quo, and never underestimate the power of compassion in the justice system. Each movement starts with individuals determined to make a difference.
Editor: Thank you, Robert. Your wisdom and dedication continue to enlighten us, and your legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to eliminate the death penalty around the world.
Badinter: Thank you for this opportunity to share my journey and thoughts. It’s crucial we keep the dialog alive.