On the principle of judicial independence in Vietnam

Judicial independence is a fundamental principle of judicial activity and is essential to safeguarding the right to a fair trial and building Vietnam’s socialist rule-of-law state. Based on the 2013 Constitution and current legislation, this study clarifies the content of judicial independence and evaluates the legal and practical conditions for ensuring judges’ independence in Vietnam. The findings show that important progress has been made through constitutional and legislative guarantees, but several issues remain regarding court organization, judicial administration, professional conditions, protection against improper interference, and institutional safeguards. The study proposes legal and organizational reforms to strengthen judges’ independence, improve judicial effectiveness, and better protect justice, human rights, and the right to a fair trial.