现代产品责任制度之价值演变与原因探析

CAUSE ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN VALUES IN MODERN PRODUCT LIABILITY SYSTEM

产品责任制度是近代科技进步以及工业化的产物,这一制度的价值取向经历了以下诸阶段:资本主义早期契约责任所体现的效率优先;20世纪早期过失责任、担保责任及推定过错责任所体现的公平价值开始被重视;20世纪后半期严格责任所体现的公平优先;20世纪90年代以后对严格责任的改革所体现的公平与效率妥协。促成产品责任制度及其价值取向如此演变的原因不外乎科技进步、现代化大生产造成的产品极大丰富、消费者安全意识逐渐增强等因素。我国产品责任制度的改革应更加关注社会公平,从而使效率获得一个稳定长效的基础。

Product liability system has gone through several stages in its value orientation.At the early stage of capitalism contractual liabilities gave priority to efficiency.In early 20th century,fair value was emphasized by means of fault liability,warranty liability and presumptive fault liability.In the latter half of the 20th century,fairness was given priority by strict liability.And since 1990s,reform of strict liability suggested compromise between efficiency and fairness.Such changes in the value orientation of product liability system take place due to technological advancement,product abundance,and consumers' strengthening consciousness of security.Reform of product liability system in China should focus more on social fairness so as to lay a stable and lasting foundation for greater efficiency.