法学研究的“田野” ――兼对法律理论有效性与实践性的反思

法律存在、运作或产生影响的所到之处就是法学研究的“田野”。进入“田野”对于建构有效的、实践性的法律理论具有重要价值。有效的法律理论指向法律实践，但并非法律实务的操作方案。其有效性来自于对法律实践、制度运行逻辑等的解释，以及对法律在社会中的位置进行深入考察。其实践性则是基于对问题的理论解释、反思，为改善法制提出理论性或政策性指导，提供对法律及其运作的评估。“田野”所具有的开放性使多元的研究方法、理论、视角可以运用到具体研究中，并通过系列个案的比较来发展一般性理论。同时，田野研究使研究者之间有了可具体讨论的对象，有助于有效地进行理论辩论以实现理论的融合、建构和创新。因此，法学研究的“田野”进路并非简单的经验获得或感性体验，更不是反理论的，而是一种发展法律理论的立场。
The “fields” of legal studies refer to where laws exist, function or play a role. Access to the “fields” is vital to develop valid and practical theories of law. A valid legal theory directs to legal practice rather than an operational scheme of legal issues. Legal theory bases its validity on thorough examination of legal phenomenon, practice, condition of action, institutional logic, as well as interrelation between law and the society. In the meantime, practicality means that legal theory is able to explain real problems, bring forward theoretical or policy-oriented implications, and evaluate the functioning of law. The “fields” are of plurality, allowing for the application of plural research approaches, theories and perspectives, and for the development of general theories from comparative case studies. Moreover, “field” studies enable researchers to share the facts and ideas, which contribute to produce effective debates, integrate and develop new theories. In this sense, the field-based approach of legal studies, rather than simple emotional experience or factual data collection, also serves to develop legal theories.