立法语言模糊性研究-以美国宪法为例_英语论文

On Fuzziness in Legislative Language ---Text Analysis of US Constitution 

摘要

语言的精确性一直以来都是人与人交流的基本准则，但是生活中语言的模糊性不可避免，甚至在大众普遍认为应该更为精确的立法语言中也存在着模糊性的特点。法律应当严谨精确，而立法语言的模糊性也正是保证法律严谨的一种手段。立法过程中模糊语言的应用使得法律的覆盖范围变大，使用时间延长，更增加了法律的稳定性。自1787年美国宪法颁布以来，宪法本文从未修改，其稳定性令人深思。本文将从模糊语义学的角度，探究美国宪法的立法语言中模糊性语言存在的原因、表现及影响，阐述适当模糊立法语言的意义和不当模糊的不足之处，以研究模糊立法语言存在的意义和应用之道。

关键词: 立法语言；模糊性；美国宪法

Abstract

Accurate language is known as a basic rule in communication, however, fuzziness is inevitable in language, even in legislative language which accuracy is supposed to be its significant feature. Legislative language should be precise and normal, while fuzziness is a measure to assure the preciseness. The application of fuzzy language in the process of legislation enlarges the legal coverage, extends the laws’ using time, and maintains the stability of laws. The original text of the US Constitution enacted in 1787 never changes, and its stability deserve thinking. This paper, from the perspective of fuzzy semantics, explores the reasons of the existence of fuzziness, and its performance and influence in the US Constitution, expounding the value of the appropriate fuzziness and the deficiency of the inappropriate fuzziness in legislative language, in order to study the existing meaning and ways of application of the fuzzy legislative language.

Key words: legislative language; fuzziness; the US Constitution

Contents

Acknowledgments i

Abstract (Chinese) ii

Abstract (English) iii

Introduction 1

Chapter One Literature Review 3

Chapter Two Theoretical Framework 5

2.1 Fuzzy Semantics 5

2.2 Legislative Language 5

Chapter Three Analysis on Fuzziness in Legislative Language in US Constitution 7

3.1 The Necessity of Fuzziness Legislative Language 7

3.2 The Representations of Fuzziness Legislative Language in Constitution 7

3.2.1 Introduction to Constitution 8

3.2.2 Classification of Fuzzy Legislative Language in Constitution.8

3.2.2.1 Adjunction Leading to Fuzziness.8

3.2.2.2 Fuzzy Word and Phrase9

3.2.2.3 Specific Word with Fuzzy Implication.10

3.3 The Effects of Fuzzy Legislative Language.11

3.3.1 Enlarging the Applicability of the Law11

3.3.2 Broadening the Discretion of Judges to Increase Stability11  

3.3.3 Negotiating and Compromising within Each Interest Group12  

3.3.4 Indeterminacy and Contingency on Application of Constitution13

Chapter Four Principles and Solutions of Appropriate Application of Fuzzy Legislative Language.14

4.1Principles of Appropriate Application of Fuzzy Legislative Language14

4.1.1 Keeping Solemnity of the Legislative Language14

4.1.2 Using Legal Terminology14

4.1.3 Keeping Linguistic Unity15

4.2 Solutions of Appropriate Application of Fuzzy Legislative Language16

4.2.1 Legislature: Supplimantary Instruction and Legislative Materialization16

4.2.2 Judges: Accurate Words and Judicial Fairness16

Conclusion 17

Bibliography 18