刑罚个别化的正当程序载体:判决前调查报告

Presentence Investigation Report: Due Process as an Instrument of Individualized Sentencing

不少人存在一种误解,认为刑罚个别化与刑罚统一是一对不可兼得的二难悖论命题,以致在两个都想要或者在两个都不大想要之间纠结不已。以笔者之见,刑罚个别化与刑罚统一并非二难悖论,相反,二者均是刑事法治的当然追求,是刑罚透明化、可预测性的当然要求。可以认为,刑罚统一是对任意量刑的否定,而刑罚个别化是对刑罚统一的再否定,这样的否定之再否定的过程是司法由粗放式运行到标准化运行再到精细化运行的发展过程。美国的判决前调查报告制度为我们提供了通过正当程序实现刑罚个别化的良好经验。我们应当在总结法治发达国家的法学理论和立法规律的基础上,根据我国的现实情况构建我国的判决前调查报告制度。

Many people have a misconception that uniform sentencing and individualized sentencing are a paradox, therefore there is a dilemma in which to pursue. In the author~ s view, it is not the case for uniform sen tencing and individualized sentencing are rather the certain pursuits of transparency, predictability of criminal law than a paradox. It is a progressive process that the sentencing procedure develops from arbitrary sentencing into u niform sentencing and then into individualized sentencing. The Presentenee Investigation Report system of the U nited States presents us with successful experience to achieve individualized sentencing through due process. It is suggested that a Presentenee Investigation Report system with Chinese characteristics be established following the practice in those advanced countries in theory of law and legislation on the basis of the reality of modem China.