论矜老恤幼原则在当前刑法中的价值与发展——以《刑法修正案(八)》为视角

On Development and Value of the Principle of Sympathizing with the Aged and Children in Current Criminal Law

矜老恤幼是我国古代法的一项重要原则,它是传统伦理道德在刑法上的反映,其在立法上追求简省宽宥,量刑上体现悯恤,对历朝的刑法都有着深远的影响,成为传统法中极具民族特色的法律原则。刑法修正案(八)中若干老幼犯罪的条款传承了此原则,引发社会各界的热议。从《刑修(八)》视角,探讨矜老恤幼原则在刑法中的价值和发展,具有明显的意义。

Sympathizing with the aged and children belongs to an important principle of our ancient law, which embodies the traditional ethics and morality, and has produced a far-reaching influence on the criminal law of the past dynasties. Such items in Amendment to Criminal Law of the People＇s Republic of China （Eight） not only inherit the principle, but embody its development and value in the criminal law as well.