关于保证期间的几个问题——兼评《担保法解释》关于保证期间之若干规定

On Several Issues of Guaranty Period——Remark on Several Provisions about Guaranty Period in Interpretation of Guarantee Law

保证期间制度的设立意在排除保证合同的诉讼时效的适用 ,不存在前者向后者的转化 ,也不存在二者的衔接问题 ;保证期间既非除斥期间 ,又非诉讼时效 ,但可准用诉讼时效中断的规定 ;保证期间是保证合同当事人双方利益平衡之结果 ,应尊重双方的约定。法定保证期间不是约定保证期间的最低限度 ,保证合同的诉讼时效也不是约定保证期间的最高限度。

The establishment of the institution of guaranty period is aimed to exclude the application of the statute of limitation for guaranty contract. There is no question concerning the transformation from the former to the latter, and the connection of the two. The guaranty period is neither scheduled period nor statute of limitation. But the provision with respect to the interruption of prescription shall apply to the guaranty period. The guaranty period is the result of balancing the rights and interests of both parties to a contract. Therefore, the stiqulation of the two parties shall be considered. The statutory guaranty period is not the minimum limit for the stipulated guaranty period. The prescription of guaranty contract is also not the maximum limit for the stipulated guaranty period.