An Analysis of the Requirement for the Separation of Conjoined Twins for the Enforcement of Punishment

Due to the special circumstances of the conjoined twins, in many cases, the punishment of each of them will have an effect on the other. In case of the innocence of one of the twins or difference in their crime, this will result in the harm to the innocent person. Therefore, one of the most basic conditions in the legitimacy of the punishment of these types of people is to prevent the effect of punishment on the other person who is not involved. In this regard, the separation is one of the ways to provide the possibility of punishment for them. An issue that needs to be addressed is the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the requirement to separate in the event of dissatisfaction of the other twin. The present study examines this issue in a descriptive-analytical manner. The findings of the study indicate that, first of all, the obligation to separate in order to enforce hadd, on the presumption of non-repentance or repetition of a crime by the offender, is legitimate. Second, in individual law, the legitimacy of the obligation to separate depends on the non-infliction of a substantial loss to the person. Thirdly, in public law, according to the priority of public interest over individual interest, the obligation to separate is legitimate. Fourth, in some cases, in connection with a conjoined twin, death during surgery replaces the death penalty.