论法律形式合理性的十个问题

法律制度的理性化表现在两个方面,一为实质合理化,一为形式合理化。法治原则在司法领域必然意味着形式合理性的优先,即,在司法过程中,当个案处理结果的实质合理性与法律本身的形式合理性可以两全时,司法者应当而且必须兼顾这两种价值,在司法裁判中同时实现个案中的实质合理性与法律的形式合理性;然而,当实质合理性与形式合理性发生不可两全的矛盾而不得不有所牺牲时,司法裁判则应当以优先实现形式合理性为原则,以牺牲形式合理性为例外。无论是对于持有社会本位价值观念的人们而言,还是对于持有个人本位价值观念的人们而言,只要他们遵循理性的指引来选择达成目的的手段,以优先实现形式合理性为原则、以牺牲形式合理性为例外的司法公正,都是唯一合理的选项。

On Ten Issues on the Formal Rationality of Law

The rationality of law is demonstrated in two aspects: the one is substantive rationality, and the other is formal rationality. In the judicial sphere, the principle of rule of law decides the priority of formal rationality, that is, in the judicial process, when the substantive rationality of the case decision and the formal rationality of the law itself can both be achieved, the judicator should equally fulfill them; but when the substantive rationality and ormal rationality contradicts and excludes each other, the judicator should principally take the formal rationality as priority and exceptionally sacrifice it. Whether to those who adopt the Social-oriented value or to those who persist in the Individual-oriented value, if only they abide by the guidance of rationality to choose the means for their aims, the priority of the fulfillment of the formal rationality is the only reasonable choice for them.