天理、国法、人情

Heavenly Principle,State Law,and Human Nature

“天理”即世间万物都应遵循的自然法则,“国法”即统治者所制定的国家法律,“人情”即普罗大众内心的道德情感。中国人心中的理想法律是天理、国法、人情三位一体。判断一个人是否应当承担法律责任,应兼顾三者。这一观念对于现代中国法治思想仍有深刻影响。

Heavenly principle is the natural law to be followed by everything in the universe.State law is the law of the land made by the ruler.Human nature is the morality and emotions of the public.In the eyes of the Chinese people,the ideal law should integrate the heavenly principle,state law and human nature.All three should be considered in judging whether a person should bear legal responsibilities.The concept still has a profound influence on the rule of law thought in modern China.