Legal System of Laos

Laos is located in East N Southeast Asia. It is geographically situated in southeastern asia, northeast of thailand, west of vietnam. The country achieved independence on 19 july 1949 (from france); 22 october 1953 (franco-lao treaty recognizes full independence). The capital is Vientiane (Viangchan).

Government Overview

Government Type: communist party-led state Chief of State: President THONGLOUN Sisoulith (since 22 March 2021) Head of Government: Prime Minister SONEXAY (also spelled SONXAI) Siphandon (since 30 December 2022) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly Administrative Divisions: 17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 prefecture* (kampheng nakhon); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Champasak, Houaphanh, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang (Luang Prabang), Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang National Holiday: Republic Day (National Day), 2 December (1975) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Laos is described as civil law system similar in form to the French system International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: previous 1947 (pre-independence); latest promulgated 13-15 August 1991 Amendment Process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president of the republic

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): People’s Supreme Court (consists of the court president and organized into criminal, civil, administrative, commercial, family, and juvenile chambers, each with a vice president and several judges) Judge Selection: president of People’s Supreme Court appointed by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president of the republic for a 5-year term; vice presidents of the People’s Supreme Court appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the National Assembly; appointment of chamber judges NA; tenure of court vice presidents and chamber judges NA Subordinate Courts: appellate courts; provincial, municipal, district, and military courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Laos Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years, Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century, when it became part of French Indochina.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Laos based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.