公共利益法治论——基于需求溢出理论的分析

On Law Theory of Public Interest: An Analysis Based on the Need Spill Theory

需求溢出理论追求简明且易操作的公共利益认定标准。从法治意义上的公共利益的概念功能出发,需求溢出理论认为公共利益就如同轻重的概念一样,只有在两相比较中才能得以认定,不存在无比较的、孤立的公共利益和静止不变的、绝对的公共利益。公共利益是发生冲突的合法需求中需要由公共权力来维护的、具有压倒性正义优势的一方需求。公共利益的认定必须符合全部三项标准:一是利益冲突标准,以确定利益冲突是否无可避免;二是法律途径标准,以确定公共利益条款是不是处理相关利益冲突的最佳途径;三是价值比较标准,以确定国家拟维护的需求是否具有压倒性的正义优势。对于公共利益法治,应当以正当程序的标准取代列举式的范围立法。

The need spill theory pursues simple and easy operating standards for ascertaining public interest.In its opinion,public interest in statute could only be ascertained by comparison,which is similar to the concept of lightness or heaviness.There are neither isolated public interest without comparison nor absolute public interest without changing.Public interest is one party's need with overwhelming justice advantage in the conflict between different lawful needs,which should be protected by public authority.To define the public interest,three criteria should be met: the first one is interest conflict criterion,which is used to ascertain whether the conflict of interest is unavoidable,the second is legal solution criterion to ascertain if public interest law is the best solution for the conflict of interest,and the third is value comparison criterion to ascertain if the need under government protection has overwhelming justice advantage in the conflict of needs.The legislative strategy on public interest should focus on procedure and criteria instead of listing the scopes of public interest.