Traditional Vietnamese Law--The Le Code--and Modern United States Law: A Comparative Analysis

Authors

Lan Quoc Nguyen

Abstract

In the fifteenth century the Vietnamese developed a comprehensive legal treatise, known as the Le Code, which included a number of advanced legal concepts. Many of those concepts, for example spousal immunity, the prohibition against ex post facto laws, and the rights of the accused to release on bail, a speedy public trial, and confrontation of witnesses, are similar to those found in modem United States law. This Note explores the amazing similarities between two legal systems that are foreign in time and culture from each other. By comparing sections of the Le Code with United States law, this Note provides insight into the law of a traditional society and the universal character of law.

Recommended Citation

Lan Quoc Nguyen, Traditional Vietnamese Law--The Le Code--and Modern United States Law: A Comparative Analysis, 13 Hastings Int'l & Comp. L. Rev. 141 (1989).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_international_comparative_law_review/vol13/iss1/5