武器平等原則與舉證責任之減輕－以勞動事件為例

Abstract

武器平等原則作為一具憲法位階之程序法上基本原則，其形式上與實質上機會、風險、地位平等內涵所衍生之「禁止恣意差別待遇」、「積極保障義務」要求，具體（間接）指示、影響著法院及當事人於程序各階段之訴訟行為，且亦成為上級審法院（含：憲法法院）審查程序是否具有瑕疵之具體指標。 關於武器平等原則與舉證責任議題之互動，前述內容即引發法院是否、如何於個案中調整、減輕當事人之舉證責任分配；就此，本文透過實務判決及學說論著之整理與歸納，具體整理出「事證偏在」、「舉證至原則證明度之不能」、「弱勢地位」三項具規範性意義之要件，並分別連結至「事案解明機制」、「表見證明」與「證明度降低」、「舉證責任轉換」三大類型之舉證責任減輕手段架構；惟應留意的是，正如同機會、風險、地位平等內涵並非涇渭分明，實係互有連結、影響之內涵，前述架構亦僅為一「傾向與指示」之光譜，具體適用上仍應於個案中詳細衡量造成舉證困難之情形，並（搭配）適用合適之舉證責任減輕手段。 最後，關於前述舉證責任減輕架構於勞動事件之適用，本文探討了勞動關係之「從屬性」與武器平等原則間之關聯，而為了於勞動事件舉證責任議題中貫徹武器平等原則之要求，本文進一步透過整理、分析我國實務判決及日本法上之討論，具體說明、涵攝前述架構於勞動事件中之適用性，以期建立一合於武器平等原則內涵、法安定性要求，以及實現弱勢勞工保護、勞資平衡理念之舉證減輕圖像。

This paper examines the principle of equality of arms as a constitutional-level procedural norm, emphasizing its formal and substantive dimensions of equality in opportunity, risk, and position. These dimensions give rise to the “prohibition of arbitrary discriminatory treatment” and the “duty of active protection,” which guide and influence the conduct of courts and parties throughout litigation. They also serve as important benchmarks for appellate and constitutional courts when reviewing procedural defects. Focusing on the interaction between equality of arms and the burden of proof, this study explores whether and how courts should adjust or mitigate the allocation of the burden of proof in individual cases. Through analysis of case law and scholarly discourse, it identifies three normative conditions: evidentiary asymmetry, the impossibility of meeting the standard burden of proof, and structural disadvantage. These conditions correspond to three burden-mitigation mechanisms: fact-finding facilitation, prima facie evidence and lowered standards of proof, and shifting the burden of proof. Finally, the paper situates this framework within labor disputes, analyzing the link between subordination in labor relations and equality of arms. It argues for a coherent model of burden-mitigation that reflects this principle’s substantive content, balances legal certainty, and enhances the protection of vulnerable workers.