中国古代司法中的“狱贵初词”证据规则  

The evidence rule of "Yu Gui Chu Ci" in ancient Chinese judicial system

作　　者：吕川 Lv Chsuan(Law School of Sichuan University,Chengdu,610207,China)

机构地区：[1]四川大学法学院,四川成都610207

出　　处：《证据科学》2025年第1期46-57,共12页Evidence Science

摘　　要：“狱贵初词”源于“狱贵初情”,是我国古代司法办案经验总结形成的证据规则,“初词”又表现为元词、初供、初招等不同形式“。狱贵初词”证据规则下,“初词”是事实认定的基础,言词证据矛盾时以“初词”为准,特殊情形下“初词”具有替代实物的证据效力,案件其他证据是否与“初词”印证一致决定案件能否排除合理怀疑。客观上,“狱贵初词”的运用有助于发现案件真实,能够减少串供、串证,减少传闻证据使用,并有助于“罪疑惟轻”的实现等;但是古代司法实践中也存在对“初词”的局限关注不够、对“初词”的认定缺乏严谨性以及定案时过于强调与“初词”的印证等不合理之处“。狱贵初词”的现代启示在于,重视“初词”证据的收集、审查,避免证据转化使用以及避免“机械性”印证定案等。The principle of "Yu Gui Chu Ci"(the initial statement is the key to a trial), which originates from the concept of "Yu Gui Chu Qing"(the initially obtained evidence is the key to a trial), is a rule of evidence derived from the ancient Chinese judicial system. The term "Chu Ci"(initial statement) can take various forms, such as “Yuan Ci”(initial words), “Chu Gong”(initial confession), and “Chu Zhao”(initial admission). According to the principle of "Yu Gui Chu Ci", "Chu Ci" serves as the basis for fact-finding. In cases where there are contradictions in testimonial evidence, "Chu Ci" prevails. In certian situations, "Chu Ci" may substitute physical evidence and be taken as evidence. Whether other evidence in one case corroborates "Chu Ci" determines whether reasonable doubt can be ruled out. Objectively, the application of "Yu Gui Chu Ci" helps to seek the truth of a case, reduce the risk of witness collusion, minimize the use of hearsay evidence, and realize the "in dubio pro reo" principle. However, ancient judicial practice also reveal some shortcomings, such as insufficient recognition of the limitations of "Chu Ci", a lack of rigor in determining the validity of “Chu Ci”,and an overemphasis on corroboration with "Chu Ci" during the verdict process. The lesson drawn from the "Yu Gui Chu Ci" principle for modern practive lies in putting more emphasis on the collection and examination of evidence as "Chu Ci", avoiding the misuse of such evidence, and preventing mechanical reliance on corroboration in adjudication.

关 键 词：初词 狱贵初词 狱贵初情 印证证明 罪疑惟轻 排除合理怀疑 

分 类 号：D918.9[政治法律—法学]