The present "Evaluation of the Implementation of the Rule of Law In Lao PDR, 1997 - 2003, Lessons and Challenges" ("Legal Sector Evaluation," or "Evaluation" hereafter) aims to assess the extent to which the Lao legal sector has developed since 1997 and the reasons for progress or lack thereof. It reviews the extent to which donor assistance has been relevant to legal reform, and makes specific, priority recommendations to guide future collaboration towards making Lao PDR a Rule of Law State.
This Evaluation has been conducted soon after the release of the Policy Paper on Governance, which outlines the government's position on governance reform and priorities, including for the rule of law. Another significant milestone passed during the period of the Evaluation was the approval by the National Assembly of important amendments to the Constitution with significant implications for the legal sector - including handing over of authority relating to appointments and transfers of judges to the People's Supreme Court and for the administration of lower courts from the Ministry of Justice to the Supreme Court. Implementation of such reform will require amendments to the relevant laws are in place to give effect to the constitutional changes and more independence for the judiciary in practice.