司法权力的限度——以美国最高法院与妇女堕胎权争议为中心

在“罗伊案”(1973)中,以妇女堕胎权系宪法隐私权为由,美国最高法院推翻了全美46个州的反堕胎法,认可了妇女在胎儿存活期之前的自由堕胎权。由此,反对妇女堕胎权的生命权利运动开始了长达数十年的限制甚至是推翻“罗伊案”的政治游说和司法挑战。在“凯西案”(1992)中,最高法院维持“罗伊案”的基本判决,同时也认可了各州对妇女堕胎权的种种限制。从“罗伊案”到“凯西案”的发展表明,最高法院对重大社会政治问题的司法干预,效果极为有限,而且,司法一旦介入,又因其自身的逻辑使之难以脱身。

Boundary of Judicial Power——The U.S. Supreme Court and Controversy About Abortion

In Roe v. Wade (1973), the U.S. Supreme Court held that the state abortion laws were unconstitutional on the ground they violated women's right to privacy. The decision generated a long-term substantial "right to life" movement aiming to overthrow Roe at best, to restrict the availability of abortion at least. The Supreme Court had to respond the public pressure in Casey Case (1992). A 5-4 Court affirmed Roe's central holding, meanwhile held a several restrictions on abortion constitutional. Two case decisions and their effects on society show that the Supreme Court should be more prudent in exercising its judicial interference in hot social and political controversy.