罗尔斯论现代法律的合法性

在祛魅的时代,现代法律的合法性已无法诉诸任何一种整全性的学说,而只能代之为全体公民所认同的公共理性.在通过公共理性来求得法律合法性的过程中,罗尔斯首先界分出具体法律规范与宪法两个层面的合法性问题,宪法的合法性是其合法性理论的核心.公共理性对宪法根本和基本正义的证明,一方面为其奠定了一整套实质性正义原则,同时也为其提供了程序性的指南.公共理性观念不仅在理论上为整个法律秩序的合法性作出证明,而且也为司法实践提出了具体的要求.公共理性的本质在于对人的平等价值的弘扬,正是对这一价值的坚守,才使得法律能够更具可接受性。

Rawls' Legitimacy of Modern Law

In the era of disenchantment, the legitimacy of modem law has lost its way to resort to any kind of comprehensive theo- ry. It has to be replaced by the public reason accepted by all citizens. In the process of seeking the legitimacy of modem law through the public reason, Rawls distinguishes two aspects of legitimacy of law： specific legal norms and the constitution, accord- ing to which the constitutional legitimacy is regarded as the core of the theory of legitimacy. The proof of the public reason to the constitutional fundament has laid a complete set of principal for the basic justice and provided a procedural guidance as well. The idea of public reason has not only offered a proof of the legitimacy for the entire legal order in theory, but also put forward some specific requirements for the judicial practice. The essence of public reason is to promote equality of human value. It is？ tile stick to this value that makes the law be more acceptable.