Comments by Sidney Liskofsky

Abstract

The proposals of Mr. Chalidze and Mr. Chen are intriguing, but I would characterize their innovations as on the “frontier” at this time. Mr. Chalidze proposed the option of exile, in effect, as an alternate form of punishment for both political and common crimes—though, he considered, in practical terms the option would be available only to persons convicted for political acts. Many questions come to mind regarding this proposal, such as the uncertainty of the distinction between political and common crimes, and whether governments might not use the option to impose increasingly severe penalties so as to drive political dissenters into exile. However, I think it more urgent for the present discussion to concentrate on the right to leave as it applies to the ordinary citizen who has not been prosecuted or convicted for illegal acts, political or other, but who wishes to begin his life anew in another country for whatever reason.