中国古代刑讯制度存在的合理性分析

任何制度的历史存在必然有一定的合理性和历史客观性，刑讯制度也不例外。也许古代刑讯不合乎法律的规定，但就历史当时而言它的存在却是合乎情理的。其中居于统治地位的儒家慎刑思想，正是其盛行的思想根源。封建统治者对刑讯的放任态度，为刑讯的存在提供了强有力的后盾。落后的证据制度和机械的司法程序是其存在的现实原因。文章通过解读古代的时代背景。从不同的角度对中国古代刑讯制度存在的合理性进行分析，并对刑讯制度的历史价值进行探讨。

The Legitimacy of the Torture System in Ancient China

There is rationality and historical objectivity for any system. The existence of tor- ture system is no exception. The ancient torture system may be against the law but legitimate considering the historical background. Confucian philosophy, as the dominant theory, advocated the idea of cautious penalty, which was the root of its popularity. The feudal ruler rarely inter- fered the torture system, which provided a powerful support for this practice. The realistic reason for torture system was the backward evidence system and rigid judicial procedure. The historical background is analyzed here to discuss the legitimacy of the ancient torture system. The histori- cal value of this system is also concerned.