Politics of Laos

Supreme People's Court

The Supreme People's Court of the Lao People's Democratic Republic was established in 1982.^[5] As outlined in Article 92, the People's Supreme Court of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is the highest judicial body and "examines the judgments and judgments of the people's courts and military courts".^[6][7] There has been indications that women have served on the provincial courts.^[8] For instance, in 2018, it was announced that Napaporn Phong Thai was appointed as the President of Court Zone 2, Xayaburi Province.^[9]

Public Prosecutor's Office

The Public Prosecutor's Office was established in 1990.^[10][11] Article 99 of the Constitution of Laos states that the office has the responsibility of "monitor[ing] the observance and implementation of laws throughout the country, protect[ing] the rights of the state and society...[and] the legitimate interests of the people, and prosecut[ing] detainees in accordance with the law". The office is organized in the following ways:^[7][12]

Supreme People's Prosecutor

• The Office of the Supreme People's Prosecutor
• The Office of the Public Prosecutor at the appellate level

The Chief of the Supreme Public Prosecutor directs all the activities of the Public Prosecutor at every level.^[7] All activities are reported to the National Assembly.^[13]

Local People's Procuratorate

• Provincial and city public prosecutors' offices
• District, Municipal Public Prosecutor's Office (district or municipal public prosecutors are called local public prosecutors)

Military Prosecutor's Office

As of June 2022, the Supreme People's Prosecutor is Xayasana Kotphuthone.^[14]

Laos Bar Association

As for attorneys in general, according to a 2016 article, there are 188 lawyers in Laos who are members of the Laos Bar Association. Most of the attorneys have entered the government sector and do not practice law—seldom giving thought to practicing in the private sector.^[15] Pursuant to the Resolution of the National Assembly No. 024 / NA (On the Adoption of the Law on Lawyers; November 9, 2016), requirements include possessing a baccalaureate degree, being a Laos citizen and passing an examination (separate requirements exist for foreign lawyers). While the Laos Bar Association issues certificates to graduates of the legal profession, it is the Ministry of Justice of Laos that sets the legal training standards.^[16]