论西方法治传统在中世纪的渊源

On the Mediaeval Sources of Occidental Tradition of Rule of Law

传统是过去与未来之间的一种延续性意识与信仰。西方法治主义传统可以溯及古希腊罗马,是中世纪独特历史经验的产物。日耳曼人的法哲学是这一传统的新起点,而多元化的政治与法律格局则直接导致法律至上、权力必须受到限制等观念的产生。

Tradition is a kind of continued consciousness and faith connecting the future and the past. Occidental Tradition of Rule of Law can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome and is derived from the unique mediaeval historical experience. Germanic law philosophy is a new starting point, and the pluralistic politics and law directly lead to such ideas as the supremeness of law and the limited power.