论法的本质及其精神

法和法律分属于两个不同的法学范畴。法是社会公众意志认同的具有普遍拘束力的行为准则,它本质上是一种隐含于法律又超然于法律的公民意志;法律则是由立法机关制定或认可的,反映统治集团意志并由国家强制力保证实施的行为准则,它本质上是体征化、条文化了的权力意志。法的精神是社会正义,是人的理性回归。

On the Nature and Spirit of Moral Code

Moral code and law belong to different legal categories. Moral code is the code of behavior which has ubiquitous binding force recognized through the will of the public at large. In nature it is citizens' will implied in law but goes beyond law, while law is stipulated or approved by legislative bodies reflecting the will of the ruling group. The enforcement of law is the code of behavior imposed by the state and fundamentally it is the power will incarnate and detailed. The spirit of moral code is justice and the regression of human logos.