中国古代司法中的“存疑有利于被告”  

The principle of "in dubio pro reo" in ancient Chinese judicial system

作　　者：叶翔宇 Ye Xiangyu(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58-74,共17页Evidence Science

摘　　要：“存疑有利于被告”原则有深厚的法史渊源,其核心理念在中国古代司法典籍中体现为“罪疑惟轻”与“功疑惟重”,而在司法实践中主要体现为“罪疑惟轻”。中国古代“罪疑惟轻”的实施主要依赖于“疑狱奏谳”制度,其司法适用应综合考虑案件事实的证明程度、特定时期的刑事政策以及司法官个人意志等多元因素。该原则适用存在例外情形,包括法律隐藏的例外、基于社会发展需求考量的例外以及基于个案公正考量的例外。从功能定位与价值基础的角度看,“罪疑惟轻”作为一种法定的疑罪处理方式,不仅能有效弥补中国古代司法证据收集能力之不足,还能发挥维护社会秩序之功能,其背后蕴含着中国古代法律文化中的审慎司法与客观真实之理念“。罪疑惟轻”与“功疑惟重”二者联系紧密。通过探究它们在中国古代的司法适用问题,可以为中国现代司法通过“存疑有利于被告”原则解决疑案问题提供镜鉴。The principle of “in dubio pro reo”(when in doubt, favoring the accused) has deep historical roots in ancient Chinese jurisprudence. In ancient Chinese judicial classics, such principle was reflected as “Zui Yi Wei Qing”(doubtful cases should be leniently treated) and “Gong Yi Wei Zhong”(doubtful merits should be generously rewarded). In judicial practice, “Zui Yi Wei Qing” was given the first place. In ancient China, the implementation of this principle “Zui Yi Wei Qing” mainly relied on the system of “Yi Yu Zou Yan”(turning over doubtful cases).The judicial application of such principle required comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including to what extent the case fact has been proved, the criminal policies in specific historical period, and the magistrate's discretion. However, the application of this principle was subject to exceptions, including exceptions implied in the law, exceptions based on considerations of the need of societal development, and exceptions arising from considerations of fairness in individual cases. In terms of the function and value of this principle, “Zui Yi Wei Qing”, as a legalized method in doubtful cases handling, not only effectively compensates for the capability deficiencies in the evidence collection in ancient Chinese judicial system, but also serves to maintain social order. Behind this principle lies the ancient Chinese legal culture of pursuing prudent justice and objective truth.Moreover, the principle of “Zui Yi Wei Qing” is closely related to the principle of “Gong Yi Wei Zhong”. By exploring the judicial application of these two principles in ancient China, it can provide valuable insights for contemporary Chinese justiciary in addressing doubtful cases under the principle of “in dubio pro reo”.

关 键 词：存疑有利于被告 罪疑惟轻 功疑惟重 司法适用 疑罪处理 

分 类 号：D918.9[政治法律—法学]