彩礼的法律性质及范围探析

The Dilemma and Choice of Implementing Both Rites and Laws:The Cogni tion and Practice of An Analysis of the Legal Nature and Scope of Bribery

彩礼是我国的一项重要婚俗制度,源自于古代嫁娶“六礼”中的纳征。明晰彩礼法律性质及范围是构建彩礼返还规则的前提与基础。对于彩礼性质和范围的探讨,应该在当代婚恋观的框架之下做出探析。彩礼的法律性质应定性为“附解除条件的赠与”以便更好地适用返还规则。同时为了更好地服务于审判实践,在当前的法律规定下,解决彩礼范围的划分困境应采用“主观见之于客观”法首先判断给付目的,综合人均收入与支出水平衡量财物价值。从给付时间上来看,为应对支付手段的进步以及尊重当事人的意思自治,不能采用简单的阶段划分法来认定彩礼。

Bride price is an important traditional custom in our country,originating from the ancient marriage ritual of“six etiquettes”which includes dowry.Clarifying the legal nature and scope of bride price is a prerequisite and foundation for establishing rules on its return.The exploration of the nature and scope of bride price should be conducted within the framework of a modern perspective on marriage.The legal attribute of bride price should be classified as a'conditional gift'in order to better apply rules on its return.At the same time,in order to better serve judicial practice,under current legal provisions,resolving the dilemma of defining the scope of bride price should adopt a subjective approach based on objective factors.Firstly,it is necessary to determine the purpose of payment and evaluate the value of property based on per capita income and expenditure levels using whether or not it causes economic pressure for the payer as a standard measure.In terms of timing,in response to advancements in payment methods and respecting parties'autonomy,a simple stage-based classification cannot be used to determine bride price.