
North Korea's legal system is a codified civil law system inherited from colonial Japan and influenced by the Soviet Union. The country has a three-tier court system, which is based on the Soviet model. North Korea's laws are governed by The Socialist Constitution and, as of December 2015, there were 236 laws and regulations, about half of which relate to economic management. North Korea's legal system is known for its harsh punishments and use of public arrests, trials and executions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Violation of Security Council resolutions | Missile tests |
| Violation of international law | Ballistic missile testing |
| Violation of international law | Nuclear testing |
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What You'll Learn
- North Korea's civil law system is governed by The Socialist Constitution
- The country's court system is based on the Soviet model
- North Korea's penal code is based on the principle of nullum crimen sine lege
- The country's laws are a tool for political control
- North Korea's foreign investment laws are well-developed and up-to-date

North Korea's civil law system is governed by The Socialist Constitution
The Socialist Constitution consists of a preamble and 172 articles organised into seven chapters. It is considered unique for combining strong socialist and nationalist tendencies, as well as referencing the country's Juche ideology. The preamble describes North Korea as the "socialist state of Juche", applying the ideas and achievements of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on state construction. Kim Il Sung is credited as the "founder of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and father of socialist Korea".
Chapter 1 of the Socialist Constitution consists of 18 articles that outline the political structure of North Korea. Article 1 states that North Korea is an independent socialist state, with Article 2 also stating it as a revolutionary state. Article 3 makes Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism the country's guide for its activities, while Article 11 makes the Workers' Party of Korea lead all of the country's activities.
Chapter 2 of the Socialist Constitution consists of 19 articles that outline the economic structure of North Korea. Article 19 states that North Korea relies on socialist relations of production and the foundation of an independent national economy. Articles 20 to 23 state that the means of production are owned by the state and social cooperatives, and list provisions for state and social cooperative properties.
North Korea's law is a codified civil law system inherited from colonial Japan and influenced by the Soviet Union. As of December 2015, there were 236 laws and regulations, about half of which relate to economic management. The country has a three-tier court system, based on the Soviet model, comprising a Central Court, provincial courts, and county courts. Judicial affairs are handled by the Central Procurator's Office. The penal code is based on the principle of nullum crimen sine lege (no crime without a law), but remains a tool for political control.
The law in North Korea requires relevant authorities to make use of public arrests, trials and public executions to "break the spirit" of those "polluted" by South Korean language and culture.
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The country's court system is based on the Soviet model
North Korea's court system is a three-tier system based on the Soviet model. It comprises a Central Court, provincial courts, and county courts. Judicial affairs are handled by the Central Procurator's Office. The penal code is based on the principle of nullum crimen sine lege (no crime without a law). However, it remains a tool for political control.
The law of North Korea is a codified civil law system inherited from colonial Japan and influenced by the Soviet Union. It is governed by The Socialist Constitution and operates within the political system of North Korea. As of December 2015, there were 236 laws and regulations, about half of which relate to economic management. The foreign investment laws are well-developed and up-to-date, and there is a highly developed arbitration system.
The law requires relevant authorities to make use of public arrests, trials and public executions to “break the spirit” of those “polluted” by South Korean language and culture.
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North Korea's penal code is based on the principle of nullum crimen sine lege
North Korea's legal system is governed by The Socialist Constitution and operates within the country's political system. The country has a three-tier court system, based on the Soviet model, comprising a Central Court, provincial courts, and county courts. Judicial affairs are handled by the Central Procurator's Office.
Despite several amendments, North Korea's penal code remains a tool for political control. The law requires relevant authorities to make use of public arrests, trials and public executions to “break the spirit” of those “polluted” by South Korean language and culture.
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The country's laws are a tool for political control
North Korea's laws are a tool for political control. The country's legal system is a codified civil law system inherited from colonial Japan and influenced by the Soviet Union. It is governed by The Socialist Constitution and operates within the political system of North Korea. The country has a three-tier court system, based on the Soviet model, comprising a Central Court, provincial courts, and county courts. Judicial affairs are handled by the Central Procurator's Office.
The penal code is based on the principle of nullum crimen sine lege (no crime without a law), but it remains a tool for political control despite several amendments. As of December 2015, there were 236 laws and regulations, about half of which relate to economic management.
Public arrests, trials, and executions are used to "break the spirit" of those "polluted" by South Korean language and culture. The foreign investment laws are well-developed and up-to-date, and there is a highly developed arbitration system.
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North Korea's foreign investment laws are well-developed and up-to-date
North Korea's court system is based on the Soviet model and consists of three tiers: a Central Court, provincial courts, and county courts. Judicial affairs are handled by the Central Procurator's Office. The penal code is based on the principle of nullum crimen sine lege (no crime without a law). However, it remains a tool for political control despite several amendments.
Public arrests, trials, and executions are used by the relevant authorities to "break the spirit" of those "polluted" by South Korean language and culture. This practice is mandated by law and serves to suppress any influence from South Korea.
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Frequently asked questions
North Korea is breaking its own laws by requiring relevant authorities to make use of public arrests, trials and public executions to “break the spirit” of those “polluted” by South Korean language and culture.
North Korea has a codified civil law system, which was inherited from colonial Japan and is similar to South Korea's system.
As of December 2015, there were 236 laws and regulations, about half of which relate to economic management.











































