lw24na15jun04civilproceedings

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CIVIL PROCEEDINGS CODE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I............................................................................................................................................................................. 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS............................................................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTERI ................................................................................................................................................................ 1

DUTIES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CODE ON CIVIL PROCEEDINGS....................................................................... 1

Article 1 Governing scope and duties of the Code on Civil Proceedings.............................................................. 1

Article 2 Effectiveness of the Code on Civil Proceedings ....................................................................................... 1

CHAPTERII ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

BASIC PRINCIPLES....................................................................................................................................................... 2

Article 3 Observance of the socialist legislation in civil proceedings ..................................................................... 2

Article 4 Right to petition the court to protect lawful rights and interests .............................................................. 2

Article 5 Right of concerned parties to decide and to dispose ............................................................................... 2

Article 6 Providing evidence and proof in civil proceedings .................................................................................... 2

Article 7

Responsibility of competent organizations, bodies and individuals to provide evidence....................3

Article 8 Equal rights and obligations in civil proceedings ...................................................................................... 3

Article 9 Ensuring rights of concerned parties to protect [their own rights and interests] ................................... 3

Article 10 Conciliation in civil proceedings ............................................................................................................. 3

Article 11 People's jurors participating in trials of civil cases............................................................................... 3

Article 12 Judges and people's jurors are independent and subject only to law .............................................. 3

Article 13 Responsibilities of bodies and persons conducting civil proceedings .............................................. 3

Article 14 Courts to act collectively when hearing cases ..................................................................................... 4

Article 15 Open hearing ............................................................................................................................................ 4

Article 16 Ensuring objectiveness of persons conducting or participating in civil proceedings ......................4

Article 17 Implementation of the two-level adjudication regime .......................................................................... 4

Article 18 Supervising adjudicatory role ................................................................................................................. 4

Article 19 Ensuring validity of judgments and decisions of the Courts............................................................... 5

Article 20 Spoken and written language used in civil proceedings ..................................................................... 5Article 21 Supervision of the observance of law in civil proceedings ................................................................. 5

Article 22 Responsibility of Courts to serve documents and papers .................................................................. 5

Article 23 Participation of individuals, bodies and organizations in civil proceedings ...................................... 5

Article 24 Ensuring the right to lodge complaints and denunciations in relation to civil proceedings ............5

CHAPTERIII.............................................................................................................................................................. 6

JURISDICTION OF THE COURT ..................................................................................................................................... 6

SECTION 1 ........................................................................................................................................................... 6

Civil affairs Which Fall under the Jurisdiction of the Court............................................................................. 6

Article 25 Civil disputes which fall under the jurisdiction of the Court ................................................................ 6

Article 26 Civil petitions which fall under the jurisdiction of the court ................................................................. 6

Article 27 Marriage and family disputes which fall under the jurisdiction of the Court ..................................... 7

Article 28 Petitions relating to marriage and family which fall under the jurisdiction of the Court ..................7Article 29 Business or commercial disputes which fall under the jurisdiction of the Court .............................. 7

Article 30 Petitions relating to business or commerce which fall under the jurisdiction of the Court .............8

Article 31 Labour disputes which fall under the jurisdiction of the Court ........................................................... 8

Article 32 Labour petitions which fall under the jurisdiction of the Court ........................................................... 9

SECTION 2........................................................................................................................................................... 9

Jurisdiction of Courts at All Levels..................................................................................................................... 9Article 33 Jurisdiction of people's Courts of districts, towns and provincial cities............................................. 9

Article 34 Jurisdictions of people's Courts of provinces and cities under central authority ........................... 10

Article 35 Jurisdiction of Courts by territories ...................................................................................................... 10

Article 36 Jurisdictions of Courts as selected by the plaintiff or petitioner ....................................................... 12

Article 37 Transfer of civil affairs to another court; resolution of disputes about jurisdiction......................... 13

Article 38 Merger or division of cases ................................................................................................................... 13


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CHAPTERIV ........................................................................................................................................................... 14

BODIES CONDUCTING PROCEEDINGS,PERSONS CONDUCTING PROCEEDINGS AND REPLACEMENT OF PERSONS

CONDUCTING PROCEEDINGS .................................................................................................................................... 14

Article 39 Bodies conducting proceedings and persons conducting proceedings.......................................... 14

Article 40 Duties and powers of chief justices ..................................................................................................... 14

Article 41 Duties and powers of judges ................................................................................................................ 15

Article 42 Duties and powers of people's jurors .................................................................................................. 15

Article 43 Duties and powers of court clerks........................................................................................................ 15Article 44 Duties and powers of chief prosecutors .............................................................................................. 15

Article 45 Duties and powers of prosecutors ....................................................................................................... 16

Article 46 Circumstances in which persons conducting proceedings must decline from participating in a

trial or be replaced ................................................................................................................................. 16

Article 47 Replacement of judges and people's jurors ....................................................................................... 17

Article 48 Replacement of prosecutors................................................................................................................. 17

Article 49 Replacement of court clerks ................................................................................................................. 17

Article 50 Procedure for refusal to conduct proceedings or request for replacement of persons conducting

proceedings............................................................................................................................................. 17

Article 51 Decisions to replace persons conducting proceedings..................................................................... 17

CHAPTERV............................................................................................................................................................. 18

COMPOSITION [OFCOUNCILS OFADJUDICATORS]RESOLVING CIVIL AFFAIRS ....................................................... 18Article 52 Composition of a council of adjudicators with first instance jurisdiction for civil cases ................18

Article 53 Composition of a council of adjudicators with appellate jurisdiction for civil cases.......................18

Article 54 Composition of a council of adjudicators for a judicial review or a retrial...................................... 18

Article 55 Composition [of councils of adjudicators] resolving civil matters..................................................... 19

CHAPTERVI ........................................................................................................................................................... 19

PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN PROCEEDINGS ............................................................................................................ 19

SECTION 1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 19

Parties in Civil Cases......................................................................................................................................... 19Article 56 Parties in civil cases............................................................................................................................... 19

Article 57 Legal capacity for civil proceedings and capacity for acts in civil proceedings of litigants ........20

Article 58 Rights and obligations of litigants ........................................................................................................ 20

Article 59 Rights and obligations of plaintiffs ....................................................................................................... 21Article 60 Rights and obligations of defendants .................................................................................................. 22

Article 61 Rights and obligations of persons with related rights and obligations ............................................ 22

Article 62 Bequeathing rights and obligations to litigate..................................................................................... 22

SECTION 2......................................................................................................................................................... 23

Other Parties to Litigation................................................................................................................................. 23

Article 63 Person protecting the lawful rights and interests of litigants ............................................................ 23

Article 64 Persons protecting the lawful rights and obligations of litigants shall be entitled and obliged: ...23

Article 65 Witnesses ................................................................................................................................................ 24

Article 66 Witnesses shall be entitled and obliged: ............................................................................................. 24

Article 67 Experts..................................................................................................................................................... 25

Article 68 Rights and obligations of experts ......................................................................................................... 25

Article 69

Interpreters.............................................................................................................................................. 26

Article 70 Rights and obligations of interpreters .................................................................................................. 26

Article 71 Procedures for refusal to examine or interpret or requests for replacement of experts or

interpreters .............................................................................................................................................. 27

Article 72 Decisions to replace experts or interpreters ....................................................................................... 27

Article 73 Representatives...................................................................................................................................... 27

Article 74 Rights and obligations of representatives ........................................................................................... 27

Article 75 Persons who shall not be permitted to act as a representative ....................................................... 28

Article 76 Appointment of representatives in civil proceedings ......................................................................... 28

Article 77 Termination of representation in civil proceedings ............................................................................ 28

Article 78 Effects of termination of representation in civil proceedings ............................................................ 28

CHAPTERVII .......................................................................................................................................................... 28

SUBSTANTIATION AND EVIDENCE.............................................................................................................................. 28

Article 79 Obligation to substantiate...................................................................................................................... 28


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Article 80 Facts and events not required to be proven ....................................................................................... 29

Article 81 Evidence.................................................................................................................................................. 29

Article 82 Sources of evidence .............................................................................................................................. 29

Article 83 Identifying evidence ............................................................................................................................... 30

Article 84 Delivery of evidence............................................................................................................................... 30

Article 85 Gathering of evidence ........................................................................................................................... 31

Article 86 Taking statement of evidence from the concerned parties .............................................................. 31

Article 87 Taking testimonies of witnesses .......................................................................................................... 32Article 88 Cross-examination [literally confrontation].......................................................................................... 32

Article 89 Inspection and evaluation on-the-spot ................................................................................................ 32

Article 90 Seeking the opinion of an expert ......................................................................................................... 32

Article 91 Seeking the opinion of an expert on evidence which is denounced as false evidence ................33

Article 92 Valuation of assets................................................................................................................................. 33

Article 93 Delegation [of power] to adduce evidence ........................................................................................ 33

Article 94 Requesting individuals, bodies and organizations to provide evidence ......................................... 34

Article 95 Preservation of evidence....................................................................................................................... 34

Article 96 Evaluation of evidence .......................................................................................................................... 34

Article 97 Disclosing and using evidence ............................................................................................................. 35

Article 98 Protecting evidence ............................................................................................................................... 35

CHAPTERVIII ......................................................................................................................................................... 35

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTIVE RELIEF............................................................................................................................. 35

Article 99 Right to petition for the application of preliminary injunctive relief .................................................. 35

Article 100 Powers to decide on the application, change or cancellation of preliminary injunctive relief

measures................................................................................................................................................. 36

Article 101 Responsibilities for application of improper preliminary injunctive relief measures .....................36

Article 102 Preliminary injunctive relief measures [shall consist of].................................................................... 36

Article 103 Assigning minors to individuals or organizations to look after, nurture, take care of, educate [the

minors] ..................................................................................................................................................... 37

Article 104 Compelling performance in advance of part of the obligation to support ....................................... 37

Article 105 Compelling performance in advance of part of the obligation to pay compensation for damage

caused by harm to health or life ........................................................................................................... 37

Article 106 Compelling an employer to pay in advance salaries, wages, compensation or subsidies for

labour-related accidents or occupational disease to employees ..................................................... 37Article 107 Temporarily suspending implementation of a decision on dismissal of an employee.................37

Article 108 Attaching property in dispute ................................................................................................................ 37

Article 109 Prohibiting transfers of property rights with respect to property in dispute .................................... 38

Article 110 Prohibiting changes in the status quo of property in dispute ........................................................... 38

Article 111 Permitting harvest and sales of subsidiary food crops or other products or commodities ...........38

Article 112 Freezing accounts at banks, other credit institutions and the State Treasury ............................... 38

Article 113 Freezing property at places of bailment .............................................................................................. 38

Article 114 Freezing property of obligors ................................................................................................................ 38

Article 115 Prohibiting or compelling performance of certain acts ...................................................................... 38

Article 116 Application of other preliminary injunctive relief measures .............................................................. 38

Article 117 Proceedings for application of preliminary injunctive relief .............................................................. 39

Article 118

Petitions for preliminary injunctive relief by bodies or organizations which initiate a legal actionto protect rights and interests of others ............................................................................................... 39

Article 119 Courts may on their own initiative issue decisions to grant preliminary injunctive relief ..............40

Article 120 Compulsory provision of security ......................................................................................................... 40

Article 121 Changing or granting additional preliminary injunctive relief ............................................................ 40

Article 122 Cancellation of preliminary injunctive relief measures ...................................................................... 40

Article 123 Effect of decisions to grant, change or cancel preliminary injunctive relief measures ................41

Article 124 Complaints or petitions against decisions to grant, change or cancel or refuse to grant, change

or cancel preliminary injunctive relief measures ................................................................................ 41

Article 125 Resolving complaints and petitions against decisions to grant, change or cancel or refuse to

grant, change or cancel preliminary injunctive relief measures....................................................... 41

Article 126 Executing decisions to grant, change or cancel preliminary injunctive relief measures ..............41


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CHAPTERIX ........................................................................................................................................................... 42

COURT FEES,CHARGES AND OTHER JUDICIAL EXPENSES ..................................................................................... 42

SECTION 1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 42

Court Fees and Charges................................................................................................................................... 42

Article 127 Court fee deposits, charge deposits, court fees and charges .......................................................... 42

Article 128 Dealing with court fee deposits, charge deposits and paid court fees and charges .....................42

Article 129 Regime of collection and payment of court fee deposits, charge deposits, court fees and

charges .................................................................................................................................................... 42Article 130 Obligation to pay court fee deposits and charge deposits ................................................................ 42

Article 131 Obligation to pay court fees for first instance hearings..................................................................... 43

Article 132 Obligation to pay court fees for appeal hearings ............................................................................... 43

Article 133 Obligation to pay charges ..................................................................................................................... 43

Article 134 Specific provisions on court fees and charges ................................................................................... 44

SECTION 2......................................................................................................................................................... 44

Other Expenses for Proceedings..................................................................................................................... 44

Article 135 Deposits for expenses of examination and expenses of examination ............................................ 44

Article 136 Obligation to pay deposits for expenses of examination .................................................................. 44

Article 137 Dealing with paid deposits for expenses of examination.................................................................. 44

Article 138 Obligation to pay expenses of examination ........................................................................................ 44

Article 139 Deposits for expenses of valuation and expenses of valuation ....................................................... 45Article 140 Obligation to pay deposits for expenses of valuation........................................................................ 45

Article 141 Dealing with paid deposits for expenses of valuation ....................................................................... 45

Article 142 Obligation to pay expenses of valuation ............................................................................................. 45

Article 143 Expenses for witnesses......................................................................................................................... 46

Article 144 Expenses for interpreters and lawyers ................................................................................................ 46

Article 145 Specific provisions on other expenses for proceedings.................................................................... 46

CHAPTERX............................................................................................................................................................. 46

ISSUANCE,SERVICE AND NOTIFICATION OF LEGAL PROCESS................................................................................. 46Article 146 Obligation to issue, serve or notify legal process .............................................................................. 46

Article 147 Legal process to be issued, served or notified ................................................................................... 46

Article 148 Persons carrying out the issuance, service or notification of legal process................................... 47

Article 149 Methods of issuing, serving or notifying legal process..................................................................... 47

Article 150 Legality of the issuance, service or notification of legal process ..................................................... 47

Article 151 Procedures for issuance, service or direct notification ..................................................................... 48

Article 152 Procedures for issuance, service or direct notification to individuals.............................................. 48

Article 153 Procedures for direct issuance, service or notification to bodies and organizations ....................49

Article 154 Procedures for public display ............................................................................................................... 49

Article 155 Procedures for notification on mass media ........................................................................................ 49

Article 156 Notification of results of issuance, service or notification of legal process .................................... 50

CHAPTERXI ........................................................................................................................................................... 50

TIME-LIMITS FOR PROCEEDINGS............................................................................................................................... 50Article 157 Time-limits for proceedings................................................................................................................... 50

Article 158 Application of the provisions of the Civil Code in relation to time-limits ......................................... 50

Article 159 Time-limits for initiation of a legal action and time-limits for lodgement of a petition ....................50

Article 160 Application of the provisions of the Civi l Code in relation to limitation periods.............................. 50

PART II.......................................................................................................................................................................... 51

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR CASES AT THE COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE ................................. 51

CHAPTERXII .......................................................................................................................................................... 51

INITIATION OF LEGAL ACTIONS AND ACCEPTANCE OF JURISDICTION BY THE COURT ............................................. 51Article 161 Right to initiate a legal proceeding....................................................................................................... 51

Article 162 Right to initiate a civil proceeding to protect the lawful rights and interests of another person,

public interests and interests of the State ........................................................................................... 51

Article 163 Scope of initiation of a legal proceeding ............................................................................................. 51

Article 164 Form and contents of application for initiation of a legal proceeding .............................................. 51

Article 165 Documents and evidence attached to applications for initiation of a legal action ......................... 52


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Article 166 Lodgement of applications for initiation of a legal action with the Court......................................... 52

Article 167 Procedures for receipt of applications for initiation of a legal action ............................................... 52

Article 168 Returning applications for initiation of a legal action ......................................................................... 53

Article 169 Request for amendments and additions to an application for initiation of a legal action .............53

Article 170 Complaints and resolution of complaints regarding the return of an application for initiation of

legal action .............................................................................................................................................. 53

Article 171 Acceptance of cases.............................................................................................................................. 54

Article 172 Appointment of a judge to resolve a case........................................................................................... 54

Article 173 Duties and powers of a judge upon preparation of case files .......................................................... 54

Article 174 Notification of acceptance of a case.................................................................................................... 54

Article 175 Rights and obligations of persons who are given notification .......................................................... 55

Article 176 Right of defendants to counter-claim................................................................................................... 55

Article 177 Right of persons with related rights and obligations to make an independent claim ....................55

Article 178 Procedures for counter-claims and independent claims................................................................... 56

CHAPTERXIII ......................................................................................................................................................... 56

CONCILIATION AND PREPARATION FOR TRIAL .......................................................................................................... 56Article 179 Time-limit of preparation for trial .......................................................................................................... 56

Article 180 Principles of conciliation ........................................................................................................................ 56

Article 181 Civil cases in which conciliation is not allowed .................................................................................. 57

Article 182 Civil cases in which conciliation is unable to be carried out............................................................. 57

Article 183 Notification of a conciliation meeting ................................................................................................... 57

Article 184 Composition of a conciliation meeting ................................................................................................. 57

Article 185 Contents of conciliation ......................................................................................................................... 57

Article 186 Minutes of the conciliation..................................................................................................................... 58

Article 187 Issuing a decision acknowledging the settlement of parties ............................................................ 58

Article 188 Legal effect of the decision acknowledging the agreement of the concerned parties ..................58

Article 189 Temporary suspension of a civil case [when] .................................................................................... 59

Article 190 Legal effect of the temporary suspension of a civil case .................................................................. 59

Article 191 Resumption of the resolution of temporarily suspended civil cases ............................................... 59

Article 192 Suspension of civil cases ...................................................................................................................... 59

Article 193 Legal effect of the suspension of a civil case..................................................................................... 60

Article 194 Powers to issue decisions to temporarily suspend or suspend civil cases .................................... 60

Article 195 Decision to bring the case to a hearing............................................................................................... 60CHAPTERXIV......................................................................................................................................................... 61

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 61

SECTION 1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 61

General Provisions on Court of First Instance............................................................................................... 61

Article 196 General requirements for first instance hearings ............................................................................... 61

Article 197 Continuous and direct, oral hearing..................................................................................................... 61

Article 198 Replacement of members of the Council of Adjudicators in special cases ................................... 62

Article 199 Presence of plaintiff at the trial ............................................................................................................. 62

Article 200 Presence of defendants at the trial ...................................................................................................... 62

Article 201 Presence of persons with related rights and obligations .................................................................. 62

Article 202 Hearing in absence of concerned parties at the trial ......................................................................... 63

Article 203 Presence of persons protecting the lawful rights and interests of litigants .................................... 63Article 204 Presence of witnesses........................................................................................................................... 63

Article 205 Presence of experts ............................................................................................................................... 63

Article 206 Presence of interpreters ........................................................................................................................ 63

Article 207 Presence of prosecutors ....................................................................................................................... 63

Article 208 Period of adjournment of a trial and decisions to adjourn a trial ..................................................... 64

Article 209 Internal rules of the trial ......................................................................................................................... 64

Article 210 Procedures for rendering of judgements and decisions of the Court in a trial............................... 65

Article 211 Trial transcript ......................................................................................................................................... 65

Article 212 Preparation for opening of a trial.......................................................................................................... 65

SECTION 2......................................................................................................................................................... 66

Proceedings for Commencement of a Trial.................................................................................................... 66

Article 213 Opening of a trial .................................................................................................................................... 66


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Article 214 Resolution of requests for replacement of persons conducting the proceedings, experts and

interpreters .............................................................................................................................................. 66

Article 215 Consideration and decision on adjournment of a trial upon absence of persons ......................... 66

Article 216 Guarantee of the objectiveness of witnesses ..................................................................................... 66

SECTION 3......................................................................................................................................................... 67

Procedures for Questioning in a Trial.............................................................................................................. 67

Article 217 Questioning concerned parties about change, supplement or withdrawal of claims ....................67

Article 218 Consideration of change, supplement and withdrawal of claims..................................................... 67Article 219 Change in litigation status ..................................................................................................................... 67

Article 220 Acknowledging the agreement of concerned parties ........................................................................ 67

Article 221 Listening to the presentation of concerned parties ............................................................................ 68

Article 222 Order of questioning in the trial ............................................................................................................ 68

Article 223 Questioning plaintiffs ............................................................................................................................. 68

Article 224 Questioning defendants ........................................................................................................................ 69

Article 225 Questioning persons with related rights and obligations .................................................................. 69

Article 226 Questioning witnesses........................................................................................................................... 69

Article 227 Disclosing documents of a case........................................................................................................... 70

Article 228 Hearing audio-tapes and discs and watching video tapes and discs ............................................. 70

Article 229 Examination of physical evidence........................................................................................................ 70

Article 230 Questioning experts ............................................................................................................................... 70

Article 231 Completion of the questioning session in the trial ............................................................................. 71

SECTION 4......................................................................................................................................................... 71

Argument in a Trial............................................................................................................................................. 71

Article 232 Order for presenting views upon argument ........................................................................................ 71

Article 233 Presenting views upon argument and responses.............................................................................. 71

Article 234 Presenting views of prosecutors .......................................................................................................... 71

Article 235 Resuming the questioning .................................................................................................................... 72

SECTION 5......................................................................................................................................................... 72

Deliberation and Pronouncement of Judgements......................................................................................... 72

Article 236 Deliberation ............................................................................................................................................. 72

Article 237 Resuming the questioning and argument ........................................................................................... 72

Article 238 First instance judgements ..................................................................................................................... 72

Article 239 Pronouncement of judgements ............................................................................................................ 73

Article 240 Amendments of and additions to a judgment ..................................................................................... 73

Article 241 Provision of excerpts of judgements and judgements ...................................................................... 74

PART III......................................................................................................................................................................... 74

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR CASES AT THE APPELLATE COURT ................................................. 74

CHAPTERXV .......................................................................................................................................................... 74

NATURE OF APPEAL HEARINGS AND APPEALS AND PROTESTS AGAINST JUDGEMENTS OR DECISIONS OF THE

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 74

Article 242 Nature of appeal hearing....................................................................................................................... 74

Article 243

Persons having the right to appeal...................................................................................................... 74

Article 244 Applications for appeal .......................................................................................................................... 74

Article 245 Time-limit for lodging an appeal ........................................................................................................... 75

Article 246 Verification of appeal applications ....................................................................................................... 75

Article 247 Overdue appeals .................................................................................................................................... 75

Article 248 Notices of payment of a court fee deposit for appeal hearings ....................................................... 75

Article 249 Notice of appeal...................................................................................................................................... 76

Article 250 Protest of the inspectorate .................................................................................................................... 76

Article 251 Decisions on protest of the inspectorate ............................................................................................. 76

Article 252 Time-limit for lodging a protest ............................................................................................................. 77

Article 253 Notice of protest ..................................................................................................................................... 77

Article 254 Effects of an appeal or protest ............................................................................................................. 77

Article 255 Forwarding case files and appeals or protests .................................................................................. 77

Article 256 Change or addition or withdrawal of an appeal or protest................................................................ 77


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CHAPTERXVI......................................................................................................................................................... 78

PREPARATION FOR AN APPEAL HEARING ................................................................................................................. 78

Article 257 Acceptance of a case for appeal hearing ........................................................................................... 78

Article 258 Time-limit of preparation for an appeal hearing ................................................................................. 78

Article 259 Temporary suspension of the appeal hearing of a case ................................................................... 78

Article 260 Suspension of the appeal hearing of a case ...................................................................................... 79

Article 261 Decisions to apply, change or cancel preliminary injunctive relief measures................................ 79

Article 262 Forwarding the case file to the inspectorate for study ...................................................................... 79CHAPTERXVII........................................................................................................................................................ 79

APPEAL HEARING PROCEEDINGS ............................................................................................................................. 79

Article 263 Scope of a appeal hearing .................................................................................................................... 79

Article 264 Participants in an appeal hearing......................................................................................................... 79

Article 265 Temporary suspension or suspension of an appeal hearing at the trial......................................... 80

Article 266 Adjournment of an appeal hearing....................................................................................................... 80

Article 267 Preparation for opening of an appeal hearing and proceedings for commencement of an appeal

hearing ..................................................................................................................................................... 80

Article 268 Questioning in the hearing .................................................................................................................... 80

Article 269 Plaintiff withdrawing his or her application for a legal action prior to the commencement of the

hearing or at the appeal hearing .......................................................................................................... 80

Article 270

Acknowledging the settlement by the parties in the appeal hearing............................................... 81

Article 271 Listening to presentation of concerned parties in the appeal hearing ............................................ 81

Article 272 The procedures for questioning and disclosure of documents and examination of physical

evidence in the appeal hearing ............................................................................................................ 82

Article 273 Argument in the appeal hearing ........................................................................................................... 82

Article 274 Deliberation and pronouncement of a judgement.............................................................................. 82

Article 275 Powers of the Council of Adjudicators with appellate jurisdiction ................................................... 82

Article 276 Varying a judgement of the Court of first instance ............................................................................ 82

Article 277 Setting aside the judgment of the Court of first instance and transferring the case file to the

court with original jurisdiction for a new trial....................................................................................... 83

Article 278 Setting aside the judgement of the Court of first instance and suspending the proceeding ........83

Article 279 Judgments of the appellate Court ........................................................................................................ 83

Article 280 Appeal proceedings with respect to decisions of a Court of first instance which are appealed or

protested against.................................................................................................................................... 84Article 281 Sending judgements and decisions of the appeal Court .................................................................. 84

PART IV ........................................................................................................................................................................ 85

REVIEW OF LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE JUDGMENTS OR DECISIONS....................................................... 85

CHAPTERXVIII....................................................................................................................................................... 85

PROCEDURE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 85Article 282 Nature of the judicial review.................................................................................................................. 85

Article 283 Grounds for protest on the basis of procedure for judicial review ................................................... 85

Article 284 Discovery of legally enforceable judgements and decisions which should be reviewed in

accordance with the procedure for judicial review ............................................................................. 85

Article 285 Persons who have the right to protest on the basis of procedure for judicial review ....................85Article 286 Adjournment or temporary suspension of the execution of legally enforceable judgments or

decisions.................................................................................................................................................. 86

Article 287 Decisions on protest based on the procedure for judicial review .................................................... 86

Article 288 Time-limits for lodging a protest based on the procedure for judicial review ................................. 86

Article 289 Change or addition or withdrawal of a protest based on the procedure for judicial review .........86

Article 290 Sending a decision on protest based on the procedure for judicial review .................................... 87

Article 291 Jurisdiction for judicial review ............................................................................................................... 87

Article 292 Participants in judicial review hearings ............................................................................................... 87

Article 293 Time-limit for conducting judicial review hearings ............................................................................. 87

Article 294 Preparation for judicial review hearings .............................................................................................. 87

Article 295 Proceedings of judicial review hearings .............................................................................................. 88

Article 296 Scope of judicial review......................................................................................................................... 88Article 297 The power of the Council of Adjudicators for a judicial review ........................................................ 88


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Article 298 Upholding the lawful judgement or decision of the lower court which has been cancelled or

varied ....................................................................................................................................................... 89

Article 299 Setting aside the legally enforceable judgment or decision which is being protested against for

the purpose of conducting a new trial on the basis of original or appellate jurisdiction ...............89

Article 300 Setting aside the legally enforceable judgment or decision and suspending proceeding............89

Article 301 Judicial review decisions ....................................................................................................................... 89

Article 302 Effectiveness of judicial review decisions ........................................................................................... 90

Article 303 Sending a judicial review decision....................................................................................................... 90

CHAPTERXIX......................................................................................................................................................... 90

PROCEDURE FOR NEW TRIAL ................................................................................................................................... 90

Article 304 Nature of a new trial............................................................................................................................... 90

Article 305 Grounds for protest on the basis of a new trial procedure ............................................................... 90

Article 306 Notice and verification of fresh evidence ............................................................................................ 91

Article 307 Persons who have the right to protest on the basis of a new trial ................................................... 91

Article 308 Time-limits for lodging a protest based on the procedure for a new trial ....................................... 91

Article 309 The power of the Council of Adjudicators for a new trial .................................................................. 91

Article 310 Application of provisions on procedure for a new trial ...................................................................... 92

PART V ......................................................................................................................................................................... 92

RESOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR CIVIL MATTERS .......................................................................................... 92

CHAPTERXX .......................................................................................................................................................... 92

GENERAL PROVISIONS ON RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL MATTERS......................................................... 92Article 311 Scope of application............................................................................................................................... 92

Article 312 Application to petition a Court to resolve a civil matter ..................................................................... 92

Article 313 Persons participating in meetings to resolve civil matters ................................................................ 93

Article 314 Procedures for holding of meetings to resolve civil matters............................................................. 93

Article 315 Decisions on resolution of civil matters ............................................................................................... 94

Article 316 Appeals and protests against decisions on resolution of civil matters............................................ 94

Article 317 Time-limit for lodging an appeal or protest ......................................................................................... 94

Article 318 Appeal procedure for decisions on resolution of a civil matter which is being appealed or

protested against .............................................................................................................................................................. 95

CHAPTERXXI......................................................................................................................................................... 95

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR PETITIONS FOR DECLARING AN INDIVIDUAL AS HAVING LOST CAPACITY FOR

CIVIL ACTS OR AS HAVING RESTRICTED CAPACITY FOR CIVIL ACTS...................................................................... 95

Article 319 Petitions for petitions for declaring an individual as having lost capacity for civil acts or as

having restricted capacity for civil acts ................................................................................................ 95

Article 320 Preparation of consideration of a petition ........................................................................................... 95

Article 321 Decisions to declare an individual as losing capacity for civil acts or as having restricted

capacity for civil acts .............................................................................................................................. 96

Article 322 Petitions for revocation of a decision to declare an individual as losing capacity for civil acts or

as having restricted capacity for civil acts........................................................................................... 96

Article 323 Preparation of consideration of a petition and decisions of the Court ............................................ 96

CHAPTERXXII........................................................................................................................................................ 96

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR PETITIONS FOR ORDER TO SEARCH FOR PERSONS WHO ARE ABSENT FROM

THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE.................................................................................................................................... 96

Article 324 Petitions for an order to search for a person who is absent from his or her place of residence .96

Article 325 Preparation of consideration of a petition ...........................................................................................97

Article 326 Decision to order search for a person who is absent from his or her place of residence ............97

Article 327 Order to search for a person who is absent from his or her place of residence............................97

Article 328 Announcement of orders to search for a person who is absent from his or her place of

residence .................................................................................................................................................98

Article 329 Effectiveness of a decision on order to search for a person who is absent from his or her place

of residence............................................................................................................................................. 98

CHAPTERXXIII....................................................................................................................................................... 98

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR PETITIONS FOR DECLARATION THAT PERSONS ARE MISSING............................ 98

Article 330 Petition for declaration that a person is missing ................................................................................ 98


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Article 331 Preparation of consideration of a petition ........................................................................................... 98

Article 332 Decisions to declare that a person is missing .................................................................................... 99

Article 333 Petitions for revocation of decisions declaring that a person is missing ........................................ 99

Article 334 Decisions on revocation of a decision declaring a person missing ................................................. 99

CHAPTERXXIV ...................................................................................................................................................... 99

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR PETITIONS FOR DECLARATION THAT PERSONS ARE DEAD ................................ 99

Article 335 Petition for declaration that a person is dead ..................................................................................... 99

Article 336 Preparation of consideration of a petition ......................................................................................... 100Article 337 Decisions to declare that a person is dead....................................................................................... 100

Article 338 Petitions for revocation of decisions declaring that a person is dead ........................................... 100

Article 339 Decisions on revocation of a decision declaring that a person is dead ........................................ 100

CHAPTERXXV ..................................................................................................................................................... 101

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL MATTERS RELATING TO COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION OPERATIONS OF

VIETNAM .................................................................................................................................................................. 101

Article 340 Civil matters relating to commercial arbitration operations of Vietnam which fall under the

jurisdiction of Courts ............................................................................................................................ 101

Article 341 Resolution procedures......................................................................................................................... 101

PART VI ...................................................................................................................................................................... 101

PROCEDURES FOR RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT IN VIETNAM OF CIVIL JUDGEMENTS

AND DECISIONS OF FOREIGN COURTS AND FOREIGN ARBITRATION AWARDS .............................. 101

CHAPTERXXVI .................................................................................................................................................... 101

GENERAL PROVISIONS ON PROCEDURES FOR RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT IN VIETNAM OF CIVIL

JUDGEMENTS AND DECISIONS OF FOREIGN COURTS AND FOREIGN ARBITRATION AWARDS............................... 101

Article 342 Civil judgements and decisions of foreign courts and foreign arbitration awards .......................101

Article 343 Principles of recognition and enforcement of civil judgements and decisions of foreign courts

and foreign arbitration awards ............................................................................................................ 102

Article 344 Right to lodge petitions for recognition and enforcement of civil judgements and decisions of

foreign courts and foreign arbitration awards ................................................................................... 102

Article 345 Right of appeal and protest ................................................................................................................. 102

Article 346 Enforceability of Vietnamese courts decision to recognize or not to recognize civil judgementsand decisions of foreign courts or foreign arbitration awards ........................................................ 103

Article 347 Notification of results of consideration of petitions .......................................................................... 103

Article 348 Guarantee of the right to transfer monies and assets in enforcement of civil judgements and

decisions of foreign courts or foreign arbitration awards ................................................................ 103

Article 349 Fees for recognition and enforcement of civil judgements and decisions of foreign courts or

foreign arbitration awards.................................................................................................................... 103

CHAPTERXXVII ................................................................................................................................................... 103

PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS FOR RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT IN VIETNAM OF CIVIL

JUDGEMENTS AND DECISIONS OF FOREIGN COURTS ............................................................................................ 103

Article 350 Petitions for recognition and enforcement ........................................................................................ 103

Article 351 Papers and documents attached to petitions ................................................................................... 104

Article 352 Transfer of documents to courts ........................................................................................................ 104Article 353 Receipt of files and request for clarification...................................................................................... 104

Article 354 Preparation for consideration of petitions ......................................................................................... 105

Article 355 Court Meetings ..................................................................................................................................... 105

Article 356 Civil judgements and decisions of foreign courts which are not recognized and enforced in

Vietnam.................................................................................................................................................. 106

Article 357 Sending court's decision ..................................................................................................................... 106

Article 358 Appeals and protests ........................................................................................................................... 106

Article 359 Consideration of appeals and protests.............................................................................................. 107

CHAPTERXXVIII.................................................................................................................................................. 107

PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS FOR [DECISIONS] NOT TO RECOGNIZE CIVIL JUDGEMENTS AND

DECISIONS OF FOREIGN COURTS FOR WHICH NO PETITION FOR ENFORCEMENT IN VIETNAM IS MADE.............. 107

Article 360 Time-limits for lodgement of petitions for [a decision] not to recognize ........................................ 107Article 361 Petitions for [a decision] not to recognize ......................................................................................... 108


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Article 362 Consideration of petitions for [a decision] not to recognize............................................................ 108

Article 363 Sending Court's decision and appeals and protests ....................................................................... 108

CHAPTERXXIX .................................................................................................................................................... 109

PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATIONS OF PETITIONS FOR RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN

ARBITRATION AWARDS IN VIETNAM ........................................................................................................................ 109

Article 364 Petitions for recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitration awards in Vietnam ..................109

Article 365 Papers and documents attached to petitions.................................................................................. 109

Article 366 Transfer of documents to courts ........................................................................................................ 109Article 367 Receipt of files ...................................................................................................................................... 110

Article 368 Preparation for consideration of petitions ......................................................................................... 110

Article 369 Court Meetings ..................................................................................................................................... 110

Article 370 Cases [where foreign arbitration awards] are not recognized ....................................................... 111

Article 371 Sending court's decision ..................................................................................................................... 112

Article 372 Appeals and protests ........................................................................................................................... 112

Article 373 Consideration of appeals and protests.............................................................................................. 112

Article 374 Dismissal of decisions on recognition and enforcement ................................................................. 113

PART VII ..................................................................................................................................................................... 113

EXECUTION OF CIVIL JUDGEMENTS AND DECISIONS OF THE COURT................................................. 113

CHAPTERXXX ..................................................................................................................................................... 113

GENERAL PROVISIONS ON EXECUTION OF JUDGEMENTS AND DECISIONS OF THE COURT .................................. 113

Article 375 Judgements and decisions of the Court to be executed ................................................................. 113

Article 376 Grounds for bringing a judgement or decision of the Court into execution .................................. 114

Article 377 Right to petition the execution of a judgement or decision of the Court ....................................... 114

Article 378 Responsibilities of individuals, bodies or organizations for execution of judgements and

decisions of the Court .......................................................................................................................... 114

Article 379 Supervision of execution of judgements and decisions of the Court ............................................ 115

CHAPTERXXXI .................................................................................................................................................... 115

PROCEDURES FOR EXECUTION OF JUDGEMENTS AND DECISIONS OF THE COURT .............................................. 115

Article 380 Issuance of a judgement or decision of the Court ........................................................................... 115

Article 381 Time-limit for forwarding a judgement or decision of the Court ..................................................... 115Article 382 Clarification of a judgement or decision of the Court ...................................................................... 115

Article 383 Time-limit for petitioning the execution of a judgement or decision of the Court ........................ 116

PART VIII .................................................................................................................................................................... 116

DEALING WITH ACTS OF OBSTRUCTING CIVIL LITIGATORY ACTIVITIES;COMPLAINTS AND

DENUNCIATIONS IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS...................................................................................................... 116

CHAPTERXXXII ................................................................................................................................................... 116

DEALING WITH ACTS OF OBSTRUCTING CIVIL LITIGATORY ACTIVITIES ................................................................. 116

Article 384 Measures to deal with defendants and persons with related rights and obligations...................116

Article 385 Measures to deal with individuals performing acts to obstruct the verification or collection of

evidence by persons conducting proceedings ................................................................................. 117Article 386 Measures to dealt with witnesses who have been summonsed by the Court but are intentionally

absent .................................................................................................................................................... 117

Article 387 Measures dealing with persons who violate court rules ................................................................. 118

Article 388 Responsibilities of the inspectorate in the case where the Court institutes a criminal case......118

Article 389 Measures to deal with individuals, bodies and organizations which fail to execute decisions of

the Court on provision of evidence to the Court .............................................................................. 118

Article 390 Procedures, powers to fine and levels of fines ................................................................................ 118

CHAPTERXXXIII.................................................................................................................................................. 118

COMPLAINTS AND DENUNCIATIONS IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS .................................................................................. 118

Article 391 Decisions and acts in civil proceedings which may be complained against ................................ 118

Article 392 Rights and obligations of complainants............................................................................................. 119

Article 393 Rights and obligations of persons who are being complained against......................................... 119Article 394 Time-limit for lodging a complaint ...................................................................................................... 120


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Article 395 Powers and time-limits for resolution of complaints against prosecutors, deputy directors and

directors of inspectorates .................................................................................................................... 120

Article 396 Powers and time-limits for resolution of complaints against court clerks, people's jurors, judges,

deputy chief justices and chief justices ............................................................................................. 120

Article 397 Powers and time-limits for resolution of complaints against experts ............................................ 120

Article 398 Persons having the right to lodge a denunciation ............................................................................ 121

Article 399 Rights and obligations of denunciators ............................................................................................. 121

Article 400 Rights and obligations of persons who are being denounced....................................................... 121

Article 401 Powers and time-limit for resolution of denunciations..................................................................... 122

Article 402 Resolution procedures for complaints and denunciations .............................................................. 122

Article 403 Responsibilities of persons authorized to resolve complaints and denunciations ......................122

Article 404 Inspection of the observance of the law in resolution of complaints and denunciations in civil

proceedings........................................................................................................................................... 122

PART IX ...................................................................................................................................................................... 123

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL AFFAIRS INVOLVING FOREIGN ELEMENTS AND

JUDICIAL CO-ASSISTANCE IN RELATION TO CIVIL PROCEEDINGS....................................................... 123

CHAPTERXXXIV ................................................................................................................................................. 123

GENERAL PROVISIONS ON RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL AFFAIRS INVOLVING FOREIGN ELEMENTS .... 123Article 405 Applicable principles ............................................................................................................................ 123

Article 406 Litigatory rights and obligations of foreign individuals, bodies and organizations ......................123

Article 407 Civil litigatory capacity and capacity for civil litigatory acts of a foreign citizen or person without

nationality .............................................................................................................................................. 123

Article 408 Civil litigatory capacity of foreign bodies and organizations and international organizations in

relation to civil proceedings ................................................................................................................ 124

Article 409 Protection of lawful rights and interests of concerned parties being foreign individuals, bodies

and organizations ................................................................................................................................. 124

CHAPTERXXXV................................................................................................................................................... 124

JURISDICTION OF VIETNAMESE COURTS TO RESOLVE CIVIL AFFAIRS INVOLVING FOREIGN ELEMENTS.............. 124

Article 410 General provisions on jurisdiction of Vietnamese courts to resolve civil affairs involving foreign

elements................................................................................................................................................ 124

Article 411 Exclusive jurisdiction of the Vietnamese courts ............................................................................... 125

Article 412 No change of the jurisdiction of the Court ......................................................................................... 126

Article 413 Returning applications for a legal action or petition or suspending a civil affair in the case where

a foreign court has resolved such civil affair .................................................................................... 126

CHAPTERXXXVI ................................................................................................................................................. 126

LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS .......................................................................................................... 126

Article 414 Principles of legal assistance in civil proceedings ........................................................................... 126

Article 415 Performance of judicial authorization ................................................................................................ 126

Article 416 Procedures for performance of judicial authorization...................................................................... 127

Article 417 Written judicial authorization............................................................................................................... 127

Article 418 Recognition of papers and documents prepared, issued or authenticated by authenticated by

foreign competent bodies.................................................................................................................... 127


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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

Independence - Freedom - Happiness

No. 24-2004-QH11

National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of VietnamLegislature XI, 5th Session

(From 11 May to 15 June 2004)

CIVIL PROCEEDINGS CODE

Pursuant to the 1992 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as amended by Resolution 51-2001-

QH10 of Legislature X of the National Assembly dated 25 December 2001, in its 10th Session;

This Code provides the order and procedures for resolution of civil affairs and execution of civil judgements.

PART I

General Provisions

CHAPTER I

Duties and Effectiveness of the Code on Civil Proceedings

Article 1 Governing scope and duties of the Code on Civil Proceedings

The Code on Civil Proceedingsshall provide basic principles of civil proceedings; the order and procedures

for initiation of a legal action to enable courts to resolve cases in relation to civil, marriage and family,business, commercial or labour disputes (hereinafter referred collectively to as civil cases) and order and

procedures for petitions to enable courts to resolve matters in relation to civil, marriage and family,

business, commercial or labour petitions (hereinafter referred collectively to as civil matters); order and

procedures for resolution of civil cases and civil matters (hereinafter referred collectively to as civil affairs) at

courts; execution of civil judgements; duties, powers and responsibilities of bodies conducting proceedings

or persons co