中国传统法的结构与基本概念辨正——兼论古代礼与法的关系

Structure and Basic Concepts of Traditional Chinese Law: Li and Fa in Ancient China

在漫长的历史发展中 ,中文“法”字的字义并非一成不变 ,尤其近代以来中文“法”字的内涵不断丰富 ,以致将古代社会中许多“礼”的内容纳入其中。如果用现代已经变化并且仍在不断变化的“法”的概念、含义僵化地去对照、解释中国传统法 ,必然会产生诸多的误解。实际上 ,礼与法是中国传统法不可或缺的组成部分 ,对礼缺乏必要的探讨 ,我们就无从知晓中国传统法的精神 ,无法解释中国传统法的所以然。传统法中的“法” ,多指制度层面 ,这一点在秦汉后更为突出。而礼 。

In its long historical evolution, the meaning of the Chinese character “fa ” (lit erally, law) has kept changing. In modern times it has borne a particularly rich reservoir of meaning, including some contents classified as belonging to the ca tegory of li (propriety) in the ancient society. Comparison and interpretati on o f traditional Chinese law with the concept of fa, the meaning of which has v arie d and is still changing, inevitably leads to misunderstandings. In fact, both li and fa were essential in traditional Chinese law. Understanding the spiri t and underlying basis of fa is impossible without insights into li. While f a stresses institutional aspects more, particularly after the Qin and the Han dynasties, li, or liyi (propriety and righteousness), stands as the value goal or s pirit of the traditional Chinese law.