法律制度史与新法律史——美国学者马伯良宋代法律史研究的两种范式

Institutional Studies and New Legal History Studies:Two Paradigms in Brian E.Mc Knight's Song Legal History Research

马伯良是美国宋代法律史研究者中极具代表性的一位,被称为"最重要的唐宋法律史学家"。他的研究清晰地展现出两种范式:一是制度史范式下的传统法律史研究,二是"新法律史"视野下的"法律社会史"或"法律生活史"研究。传统法律史研究提供了中国古代法律的宏观景象,尽管这一景象局部有些失真,它仍然是认识中国古代法律面目,勾勒中国古代法律沿革轨迹,归纳中国古代法律程式的必要前提。"新法律史"更加强调贴近和回归实践和日常,关注法律在基层社会的动态实施和具体运作环节,观察普通百姓面对法律的真实状态。马伯良的研究在某种程度上是一个缩影,从中折射出美国宋代法律史研究的方向、特点和发展历程。

As one of the most important historians specializing in Tang-Song legal history studies,Brian E.Mc Knight employs two clearly different paradigms in his studies.One is the traditional legal history studies under the paradigm of institutional history,the other is new legal history studies.Traditional legal history studies outlines the ancient Chinese law.Although some parts of it seem to be not quite true to the original,it is still indispensable if one wants to understand ancient Chinese law.The new legal history studies are closer to practice and ordinary life,focusing on common people's reactions when facing legal problem.To some extent,Brian E.Mc Knight's research epitomizes the Song legal history studies in America.