조선초기『疑獄集』간행과 ‘無冤’의 의지 (Historical Meaning of the Publication of Yiyuji(疑獄集), in the Early days of Joseon)

서지정보

· 발행기관 : 인하대학교 한국학연구소
· 수록지 정보 : 한국학연구 / 41호 / 429 ~ 458페이지
· 저자명 : 김호

초록

중국 五代에 간행되었던 『疑獄集』은 1418년에 조선에서 復刊되었다. 조선초기의 위정자들은 이 책을 통해 당시 조선의 의옥 문제를 해결하고자 했다. 의옥은 滯獄으로 인한 문제 뿐 아니라 ‘의옥은 減刑한다’는 피의자 보호의 법리 때문에 도리어 억울한 피해자를 만들기도 했다. 『의옥집』에는 60여 조항에 달하는 의옥 해결 사례가 수록되어 있는데, 이를 통해 강조된 의옥 해결의 방법은 다음과 같았다. 첫째, 관리들의 기지가 중요하다. 속임수에 가까운 방법도 동원되었지만 범인을 잡으려는 의지의 중요성이 강조되었다. 둘째, 관리의 섬세한 주의 및 관찰의 중요성이다. 『의옥집』의 저자는 五感을 모두 활용한 방법을 소개하고 위협이나 고문 없는 수사를 강조했다. 특히 과학적인 증거 수집과 추론 능력을 중시했다. 셋째, 過失의 경우 감형하고 故意 범죄는 엄형할 것을 강조했다. 마지막으로 재량을 통한 ‘판결의 時中’이야말로 가장 중요하면서 도달하기 어려운 경지였다. 『의옥집』의 저자는 법의 적용[擬律]은 율문의 입법취지를 고려한 균형 잡힌 재량 과정임을 강조했다. 요컨대 『의옥집』은 ‘無冤’을 향한 仁政의 의지가 돋보이는 저작이다. 조선초 『의옥집』의 간행을 통해 당시 조선 정부가 취한 ‘刑政의 방향’을 이해할 수 있다.

영어초록

Yiyuji(疑獄集) was a book that had originally been published during the ‘Five-dynasties’ period(“五代, O-dae”) of China, and was republished in Joseon in the year of 1418. By circulating this book, leaders of Joseon in the dynasty’s early days intended to bring resolutions to the problem that was being caused by questionable rulings as well as disputed terms of imprisonment. Cases without undisputed deliberations and solid closure led to prolonged incarcerations[滯獄], while the notion of ‘sentences should be reduced in case of questionable cases,’ which was originally meant to protect defendants, sometimes produced other kinds of victims unintentionally and needless to say unfairly.
In Yiyuji, there are almost 60 examples of ‘solving questionable cases.’ And there are certain operative principles and directives as well. First, the officials in charge were asked to be innovative and bold. They were encouraged to be determined in catching the perpetrator, but were also told to－if needed- sometimes resort to methods that would border upon no less than trickery. Second, they were asked to observe meticulously. Author of Yiyuji made an introduction to methods utilizing all five senses(五感), and emphasized the importance of conducting an investigation that would not employ threatening or torture. The author also placed special importance upon scientific investigation, careful collection of evidences and deductive reasoning too. Third, it was recommended that in case of offenses that were caused accidently or by fault should be sentenced to lesser punishments, while intentional crimes should be met with gravest consequences. And fourth, the “ruler’s discretion” is commented upon as well. The author of Yiyuji clearly stated that the application of legal clauses[擬律] is actually a process of deliberating on a matter presented and making a decision or choice based upon balanced interpretation of the law.
In short, Yiyuji was a publication that clearly projected the authorities’ intention to establish a ‘benevolent governance’[仁政] by achieving the state of ‘nobody involved in a case should be left frustrated over the ruling[無冤].’ The fact itself that the Joseon authorities decided to republish the book shows us what kind of penal administration the Joseon government was aiming for.

참고자료

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