论刑法适用中道德评价因素的考量

道德评价能否在刑法适用中予以考虑,是刑事司法中的难题。一方面,道德评价在刑事司法中的体现是普遍存在的实然现象;而另一方面,法治原则一般又要求道德评价不应介入司法领域,否则,依法司法的理念将受到冲击。从理论上来看,道德评价可以在刑法适用解释中予以考虑,与其让道德评价潜在地、非理性地影响刑法的解释与适用,不如理性地承认和接受道德评价因素,并对其规范、限制和合理运用。道德评价因素在刑法解释和适用中的考量既是法理的要求,也是刑法原则所许可的,那种绝对排斥道德评价的观点,看似符合法治原则,但实际上并不能成立。从社会学的视角判断,刑法适用中考量道德评价因素是社会和谐的需求,也是社会学解释方法的题中应有之义。当然,对道德评价的考量与运用,应当在法律方法论的范围内,并在对其认真甄别、选择的基础上进行。

Ethical Elements Considered in Applying Criminal Law

Whether ethical elements can be taken account of in applying criminal law baffles many people in the criminal adjudication circle.On the one hand,ethical elements are pragmatically considered in administering criminal justice;on the other hand,under rules of government in accordance with a system of law,no ethical elements shall be introduced into the judicial areas,otherwise the basic principles of justice would be challenged.In logic,ethical elements may be considered while interpreting criminal law.We would rather acknowledge and accept ethical consideration rationally and regulate,constrain and properly carry it out than allow ethical considerations to influence interpretation and application of criminal law,potentially and irrationally.To consider ethical factors in interpretation and application of criminal law is not only required by jurisprudence,but also available under criminal law principles.The positions that are against ethical considerations and appear consistent with rules of nomocracy are not justified.From the angle of sociology,to consider ethical factors in applying criminal law not only meets the requirement of building a harmonious society,but also complies with the meaning of sociological interpretation methodology.However,employment and consideration of ethical factors falls within the scope of legal methodology and is subject to rigorous choice and examination.