刑法“有利溯及之例外”条款的 合宪性限定解释——基于牛玉强案的思考

《刑法》第12条第2款可称作"有利溯及之例外"条款,近年来广受关注的牛玉强案就涉及这一条款。对于该条款的解释,刑法学上的观点大致可类型化为"完全适用说"、"选择适用说"以及"完全不适用说"。"选择适用说"与"完全不适用说"意在排除该条款在某些个案中的适用,但两种学说都面临一系列学理上的难题。如果引入宪法层面的判断,则可对该条款进行合宪性限定解释。其路径有二:一是以限制基本权利的比例原则对该条款的适用范围加以限缩;二是将罪刑法定原则解释为具备宪法位阶的原则,继而将一部分有罪判决排除出该条款的适用范围。

Interpretation of Constitutionality on the Provision of "the Exception of Favorable Retrospect" in the Criminal Law: Based on Niu Yuqiang Case

Leading to wide concern,Niu Yuqiang case involves the application of Article 12 section 2 of the Criminal Law,which states: this provision may be called "the exception of favorable retrospect".With regard to this provision,the viewpoints on criminal law divide into "entirely applicable","selectively applicable" and "entirely inapplicable".The views of "selectively applicable" and "entirely inapplicable" attempt to exclude its application in cases like Niu Yuqiang case,but both of them are confronted with some theoretical dilemma.Nevertheless,if the judgments on the level of constitutional law are adopted,then this provision should be interpreted restrictively in accordance with the Constitution.Specifically,there exist two approaches: firstly,to introduce the principle of proportionality when the basic rights are restricted whereby the scope of this provision should be limited;secondly,to interpret nulla poena sine lege as the principle assured in the Constitution,then some of the convictions should be excluded from the application of this provision.