宪法性法律的界定与功能——一个实质宪法视角下的比较考察

The Definition and Function of Constitutional Law--A Comparative Study from the Perspective of Substantive Constitution

仅从形式宪法视角观察宪法性法律,无法充分认识其在规范体系中的重要性,也难以对宪制秩序形成融贯全面的理解。实质宪法观的引入旨在拾遗补阙,发掘《宪法》之外的其他宪法性规范。此种进路之下,宪法性法律的界定可以适用“规范上的重要性”标准。在宪制实践中,宪法性法律呈现出保障与变革的双重功能。这分别对应着“宪法性法律—普通法律”和“宪法性法律—宪法典”两组关系,前者主要表现为“一致性解释规则”;后者主要表现为宪法性法律对宪法文本的明晰、补充或替代。我国宪法学研究非但不能弃置宪法性法律的概念,反而应当以此为基点强化关于宪法秩序的整体性理解,推动宪法部门的建构,实现宪法教义的体系化。

Viewing constitutional law only from the perspective of formal constitution does not allow for us to have a full appreciation of its importance in the normative system,nor does it allow for a coherent and comprehensive understanding of the constitutional order.The introduction of the concept of substantive constitution aims at uncovering constitutional norms beyond the Constitution.Under this approach,the criterion of"normative significance"can be applied to the definition of constitutional law.In constitutional practice,constitutional law presents the dual functions of entrenchment and transformation.This corresponds to two sets of relations:the"constitutional law-ordinary law"relation,which is characterized by"the rule of consistent interpretation",and"constitutional law-Constitutional"relation,which is mainly manifested in the clarification,supplementation or substitution of constitutional law to the Constitution.Instead of abandoning the concept of constitutional law,the study of constitutional law in China should be used as a basis to strengthen the overall understanding of the constitutional order,promoting the construction of the constitutional department,and realizing the systematization of constitutional doctrine.