What is a Circular?

Circular is a document that explains and guides the implementation of state-issued documents within the management scope of a specific sector. The Circular is issued by the Ministry or a government agency equivalent to the Ministry, typically signed by the Minister or the Chairman. Additionally, a Circular may also be jointly issued by several relevant Ministries and sectors to apply within the related scope of these agencies.

According to the provisions in the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents 2015, Circulars include:

- Circular of the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court:

The Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court issues circulars to manage the People's Courts and Military Courts in terms of organization and other issues as assigned by the Law on the Organization of the People's Courts and other related laws.

- Circular of the Head of the Supreme People's Procuracy:

The Head of the Supreme People's Procuracy issues circulars to regulate issues assigned by the Law on the Organization of the People's Procuracy and other related laws.

- Circular of Ministers, Heads of Ministry-equivalent agencies:

Ministers, Heads of Ministry-equivalent agencies issue circulars to regulate:- Detailed provisions on articles, clauses, points assigned within laws, resolutions of the National Assembly, ordinances, resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, orders, decisions of the President, decrees of the Government, decisions of the Prime Minister;- Measures to implement their state management functions.

- Joint Circulars between the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court and the Head of the Supreme People's Procuracy; Joint Circulars between Ministers, Heads of Ministry-equivalent agencies with the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, and the Head of the Supreme People's Procuracy:

The Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court and the Head of the Supreme People's Procuracy; Ministers, Heads of Ministry-equivalent agencies, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, Head of the Supreme People's Procuracy issue joint circulars to regulate cooperation among these agencies in implementing procedural sequences and formalities.

The development and issuance of Circulars by state agencies are specifically regulated in the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents 2015.

Related documents:

Decree 34/2016/ND-CP detailing and guiding the implementation of the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents

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