1. Circular No. 12/2026/TT-TANDTC Regulating Courtroom Rules
- Strict Prohibition of Digital Devices: Court participants and attendees are strictly prohibited from bringing devices that transmit, collect, process, store, or exchange information and digital data (such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, or any electronic device with similar functions) into the courtroom without the consent of the presiding Judge or chairperson of the meeting. The use of these devices for looking up case files, documents, or evidence, or serving online trial proceedings, must strictly comply with the directions of the presiding Judge. (Legal basis: Clause 3, Article 4 of Circular No. 12/2026/TT-TANDTC)
- Regulations on Audio and Video Recording: Audio recording of spoken statements is permitted throughout the entire duration of trials and meetings. Conversely, video recording is permitted only at two fixed moments: during the opening ceremony and during the pronouncement of judgments or public announcement of decisions. Crucially, all audio and video recording activities must receive prior consent from the presiding Judge or chairperson. If recording procedural officers or other trial participants, consent must be obtained from both the Judge and the specific individuals concerned. Trial participants and attendees are strictly forbidden from unauthorized live-streaming or broadcasting online across social media platforms. (Legal basis: Clause 4, Article 4 of Circular No. 12/2026/TT-TANDTC)
2. Regulations on Compulsory Rehabilitation for Persons Under 18 Years of Age Under Ordinance No. 03/2026/UBTVQH16
- Target Subject & Legal Terminology: Competent People's Courts have the authority to review and decide on sending drug addicts aged 12 to under 18 years old to compulsory drug rehabilitation centers. Special attention and clarification regarding legal terminology are required: the venue for executing this measure is a "compulsory drug rehabilitation center" pursuant to law on drug prevention and control, rather than a "reform school" (which is a venue applying administrative handling measures for individuals committing other law violations under the Law on Handling of Administrative Violations). (Legal basis: Article 1 of Ordinance No. 03/2026/UBTVQH16)
- Postponement, Exemption, and Temporary Suspension: The Ordinance provides detailed, humane, and friendly grounds for considering the postponement, exemption, or temporary suspension of decisions sending juveniles to compulsory rehabilitation centers, ensuring alignment with minors' psychological, physiological needs, learning rights, and medical treatment rights:
+ Postponement of Execution: Applies when the subject suffers from a serious illness (certified by a medical facility at the district level or higher); when the family faces sudden hardship due to natural disasters, fires, or epidemics (certified by the Commune-level People's Committee); or when the subject is pursuing formal education or vocational training at general education or vocational education institutions.
+ Exemption from Execution: Applies to subjects suffering from fatal illnesses; subjects who have demonstrated progress, actively participated in local activities, or overcome drug addiction during their postponement period; or subjects who voluntarily undergo drug rehabilitation at rehabilitation facilities.
+ Temporary Suspension of Execution: Applies to subjects currently undergoing rehabilitation who suffer from serious illnesses requiring medical treatment at facilities at the district level or higher; or whose families face particularly severe sudden hardship due to natural disasters, fires, or epidemics (certified by the Commune-level People's Committee).
(Legal basis: Clause 1 Article 22, Clause 1 Article 23, and Clause 1 Article 24 of Ordinance No. 03/2026/UBTVQH16)
3. Conclusion
The official application of new regulations under Circular No. 12/2026/TT-TANDTC and Ordinance No. 03/2026/UBTVQH16 marks a significant step forward in strengthening discipline, ensuring security, order, and solemnity during court proceedings, while profoundly demonstrating society's humane responsibility toward drug rehabilitation support and the protection of minors under 18 years old. Citizens, enterprises, and relevant organizations should proactively update themselves on these crucial legal changes to ensure strict compliance starting August 1, 2026.
