法律文本层次结构的功能与设置

The Function and Setting of Legal Texts Hierarchy

法律文本层次结构,是立法机关根据法律内容需要,在法律文本中所设置的编、章、节、条、款、项、目的体例框架,它的基本特征是定位上的形式性、空间上的纵向性、时间上的静态性、构成上的整全性。基于良法标准对法律文本层次结构进行审视,发现我国现行法律中在层次安排、层次归属、构成要素、序号形式等方面仍有改进空间。法律文本层次结构的设置标准,虽系立法技术的规范要求,但它的辐射范围非常广泛,影响法治中国建设的整体状况。法律文本层次结构需要增强弹性,明确各层次的设置标准,统一序数形式,增补“条”“款”标号,优化法律目录。

The hierarchy structure of legal texts refers to the organizational framework established by the legislative body within legal documents,which includes parts,chapters,sections,articles,paragraphs,subparagraph and items.Its basic characteristics are formal positioning,vertical spatial orientation,static temporality,and holistic composition.A review of the hierarchy structure of legal texts based on the standards of good law reveals that there is still room for improvement in current Chinese laws regarding the arrangement of levels,level attribution,structural elements,and numbering formats.While the standards for setting up the hierarchy structure of legal texts are normative requirements of legislative techniques,their influence is broad and significantly impacts the overall state of the rule of law in China.There is a need to enhance the flexibility of the hierarchy structure of legal texts,clarify the standards for setting each level,unify numbering formats,add identifiers for"articles"and"clauses,"and optimize legal directories.