推定在犯意认定中的运用——基于英美国家犯意推定的思考

由于意识与意志的主观性,在刑事诉讼中,犯意的证明一直是困扰控方的难题。在缺乏被告人自白的情况下,犯罪的证明完全依赖于推定这一手段。但推定结论的或然性引发了人们关于犯意认定中推定运用可行性的怀疑;犯意推定的证据标准也无法与直接证明的标准一致;推定还可能导致证明责任分配上的争论。英美国家刑事诉讼中对于犯意推定形成了较为稳定的规则,可资借鉴。

Presumption of Mens Rea: In perspective of the Relevant Rules in Anglo-American Countries

Since consciousness and willing are characterized by subjectivity,it is hard for the prosecution to prove mens rea in criminal proceedings.Without confession of the accused,people can do nothing but rely on presumption to prove mens rea.However,uncertainty of the presumptive conclusion often invites suspicion of the feasibility of presumption of mens rea.Moreover,the test of evidence for presumption of mens rea is inconsistent with that direct evidence.Further,distribution of burden of proof may also stir up controversy.Comparatively,some rules concerning presumption of mens rea have well established in Anglo-American countries,which may serve as reference for us.