Penal Law (2001, 2005)

Article 1. Role of the Penal Law

The role of the Penal Law is to safeguard the political, economic and social system of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the state, collective and individual properties, the life, health, rights and freedom of the people, the national security and public order, to counter and prevent infractions and educate all citizens to the respect of laws.
In view of implementing this role, this Law determines which act deemed dangerous for society is a penal infraction liable of sanctions.

Article 2. Basis of penal responsibilities

All individuals will assume penal responsibilities and will be liable to penalties only on the basis of voluntary or inadvertent acts deemed dangerous for society as defined in the Penal Law and only when a decision is brought by the court of justice.

The Law contains 7 Chapters, followed by Sections, and Articles.

The Chapters cover:

1. General Principles
2. Context of the Penal Law’s Effectiveness
3. Infractions and offenders
4. Exemption of penal liabilities
5. Penalties
6. Prescription of penalties
7. Circumstantial causes conducive to the exemption of penalties and conditional liberation before term
8. The court’s sanctions on re-education and medical treatment

The Sections cover:

1. Offenses against National Security and Social Orderliness
2. Offenses against the Life, Health and Honor of a Person
3. Offenses against Civil Rights and Freedom
4. Offenses against State and Collective Ownership
5. Offenses against Personal Property
6. Breach of Marital and Family Relationships and of Customs
7. Economic infractions
8. Breach of civil servants’ responsibilities
9. Regulations

Laos-Penal Law-2001-2005-eng (full text in English, PDF)