CaliToday (05/12/2025): In a decisive move to modernize the nation's legal infrastructure and address long-standing procedural bottlenecks, the 15th National Assembly of Vietnam officially voted to pass three critical judicial bills this morning, December 5, 2025.
The voting session, a highlight of the ongoing 10th Session of the 15th National Assembly, marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s strategy to build a more transparent, efficient, and rigorous judicial framework.
The Three Pillars of Reform
The approved legislation targets three specific areas that are vital for both social order and the business environment. Here is a breakdown of the newly passed laws:
1. Law on Judicial Expertise (Amended)
(Luật Giám định tư pháp sửa đổi) This amendment addresses critical gaps in legal proceedings. Judicial expertise is often the "key" to unlocking complex criminal and civil cases.
The Change: The new law tightens regulations on the qualifications and responsibilities of judicial experts.
** The Impact:** It aims to solve the issue of "fear of responsibility" among experts, ensuring that assessment results are delivered faster and with higher accuracy. This is expected to significantly reduce delays in handling economic and corruption cases.
2. Law on Civil Judgment Enforcement (Amended)
(Luật Thi hành án dân sự sửa đổi) One of the most challenging aspects of the Vietnamese legal system has been the gap between a court's verdict and the actual execution of that verdict.
The Change: The amendment provides stronger legal tools for enforcement agencies to identify, freeze, and recover assets.
The Impact: This is a game-changer for businesses and individuals seeking justice. It prioritizes the recovery of assets in corruption cases and credit institution cases, ensuring that court rulings are not just "on paper" but enforced in reality.
3. Amendments to the Law on Judicial Records
(Luật sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều của Luật Lý lịch tư pháp) In an era of digital transformation, the old procedures for obtaining criminal records were seen as cumbersome.
The Change: The law simplifies the process of issuing judicial record cards and integrates more deeply with the National Population Database.
The Impact: This reduces red tape for citizens applying for jobs or studying abroad. Furthermore, it reinforces the "Right to be Forgotten" (humanitarian aspect), ensuring that individuals who have served their sentences can reintegrate into society without unnecessary administrative hurdles.
Why This Matters
The passage of these three laws is not merely administrative; it sends a strong signal to the international community and foreign investors.
Enhanced Rule of Law: By strengthening enforcement and expertise, Vietnam is boosting confidence in its dispute resolution mechanisms.
Digital Integration: The updates align the judicial system with the government's "Project 06" on digital data, moving towards e-government efficiency.
Conclusion: With the gavel falling this morning, Vietnam has taken a solid step toward a judicial system that is sharper, faster, and more accessible to its people. These laws are expected to come into effect in mid-2026, giving agencies time to prepare for the transition.