中国法的原始基因--以古文字为视野

Primitive Elements of Chinese Law-- From the Perspective of Ancient Chinese Characters

中国古代法在问世的最初阶段就形成了其独有的原始基因,即中国古代法所具有的神圣性、权威性、伦理性、多元性和艺术性。原始的图腾崇拜中蕴含了古代法的神圣性元素,而戎礼军律及其实践则塑造了古代法的权威性特质,至于远古的风俗礼仪正是古代法伦理属性的发源地,誓命与御事恰恰表征了古代法的多元性。早期文明中的法体与证据运行方式则显示了古代法的艺术性,这或许正是一种实践智慧。这些原始基因构成了中华法系的基本特征,并对中国古代法律实践活动施以重大影响。

Ancient Chinese law has assumed its unique primitive elements since the initial stage of its birth,including sacredness,authoritativeness,ethics,pluralism and artistry. The sacredness of ancient Chinese law is contained in the primitive totemism,while its authoritativeness is molded in the ritual and military disciplines and practices. The ethic feature of ancient Chinese law can trace its origin to ancient customs and manners,and its pluralism is found in various laws and decrees promulgated in the far past and diversified case stories. What＇s more,the legal forms and evidence operation ways in China＇s early civilization represent the artistry of ancient laws. In fact,this is a kind of practical wisdom. All these primitive elements compose the basic characteristics of Chinese legal system and impose significant influence on legal practices in ancient China.