浅析实体性正当法律程序原则含义与适用限制

Study on the Concept and Applicable Restrictions of the Substantive Due Process of Law

实体性正当法律程序是美国法中争议最大的法律原则之一。根据该原则,美国司法机关在审查法律的合宪性之时,不是审查制定与执行法律的程序,而是审查法律的实质内容是否侵犯了公民的基本权利与自由。虽然该原则的适用极大增强了司法机关的自由裁量权,然而美国的普通法传统以及司法机关在实践中形成的两种检验标准,能够有效防止法院的自由裁量权的滥用。

The substantive due process of law is one of the most controversial legal principles in the United States.According to the principle,when the Supreme Court judged the constitutionality of the statute laws,it does not review the procedures of the enactment and enforcement of the laws,but review whether the substance of the laws is an infringement for citizens＇ fundamental rights and freedoms.The application of the principle greatly enhances the discretion of the judiciary.However,the Common Law tradition and the two test developed in practice by the Supreme Court can effectively prevent the abuse of the court＇s discretion.