The predecessor of today’s Điện Biên provincial People’s Court was the Lai Châu provincial People’s Court, founded in February 1963. In its early years, the unit was under dual leadership: organizationally by the provincial Party Committee, and professionally by the People’s Court of the Northwestern Autonomous Region. Its apparatus was small, facilities poor, and staff consisted of only a few officials with limited professional training. Judges were responsible both for management and for hearing cases. Yet, through perseverance, the court gradually established its role as a judicial body in a mountainous and border province facing many challenges.

Over the past 62 years, from those early struggles, the court has become a strong institution with an increasingly capable staff, well trained both professionally and politically. Before the period of national renewal, the provincial court adjudicated many major cases, such as the Bạc Cầm Oan case, the Lò Văn Ấng case in Noong Hẹt (former Điện Biên district), and the case of Lò Văn Hén and accomplices, all involving counter-revolutionary crimes and plots to overthrow the government. These stern trials helped thwart espionage, protect political security and social order, reinforce public trust, and safeguard the revolutionary government.

In the renewal era, the courts at both provincial and district levels continued to affirm their role in fighting crime. Numerous cases of corruption, deliberate violations of state regulations, organized drug trafficking, as well as serious crimes such as murder and robbery were promptly and properly tried, with judgments consistent with law and public approval. Mobile courts not only deterred and educated but also served as an effective channel of legal communication, raising community awareness of law compliance. Typical cases included Giàng A Tỉnh and 28 accomplices for insurgent activity; large-scale drug cases involving Thào Và Của and accomplices, or Vì Thị Sen and accomplices; as well as cases under close supervision of the provincial Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption and Anti-Negativity.

The provincial court has not only focused on strictly adjudicating criminal cases but also on effectively resolving civil, family, commercial, and administrative cases. During proceedings, the courts guided litigants to fulfill obligations of evidence provision, actively verified and collected evidence when necessary, and coordinated closely with relevant agencies to resolve cases fairly. Judgments and decisions have been issued in accordance with law and have won public approval.

One of the most notable milestones in the court’s development has been its proactive organizational reform and improvement of staff quality. After Điện Biên Province was established in 2004 through separation from Lai Châu, the provincial court quickly consolidated its structure, assigned and appointed staff, and ensured efficient operations. Judges, clerks, and staff have been trained not only in professional skills but also in political courage and judicial ethics. Special attention has also been paid to developing People’s Jurors: more than 200 have been elected by People’s Councils at all levels, all with good morals and a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring public participation in judicial activities.

As the country entered the era of digital transformation and judicial reform, the court actively applied information technology and modernized its operations. Case management, statistics, and document software have been implemented; case files are being digitized; online conferencing and online trials are widely applied. Since 2020, the two-tier provincial courts have held 516 online review hearings and nearly 200 online trials. More than 17,000 judgments and decisions have been published on the court’s portal; over 90 percent of archived case files have been digitized; and 100 percent of cases are managed through specialized software from the moment they are accepted until conclusion, ensuring transparency and strengthening public trust. These advancements lay a solid foundation for building an electronic court in line with the development of a modern judiciary.

By now, the organizational structure of the courts at both levels has been streamlined for efficiency and effectiveness. Before July 1, 2025, the province had three specialized courts, three support offices, and ten district-level courts with 125 staff. After restructuring, the system consists of five regional People’s Courts, three specialized courts, and three support offices under the provincial court. Currently, the province has 116 staff, including 45 judges, all meeting standards of professional and political qualifications. This forms a firm basis for continued improvement in adjudication quality, in line with judicial reform and public expectations.

With such outstanding achievements, the two-tier courts of the province have been honored with one Emulation Flag from the Prime Minister, one Government Certificate of Merit for a collective and two for individuals; 14 collectives received Emulation Flags from the Supreme People’s Court; hundreds of collectives and individuals were awarded Certificates of Merit by the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court; ten individuals were named Emulation Fighters of the People’s Court sector; one collective received an Excellent Emulation Flag from the Provincial People’s Committee; and 19 collectives and nine individuals were awarded provincial Certificates of Merit, among many other honors. These commendations have provided tremendous encouragement from the Party and the State to the two-tier courts over more than half a century.

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the People’s Court of Vietnam and the 62-year journey of the provincial court is an opportunity to reflect on a proud but challenging path. The achievements stand as testimony to the courage, wisdom, and dedication of generations of judicial staff. Yet, challenges remain ahead. Judicial reform requires courts to continue comprehensive renewal, improve adjudication quality, and build a team of judges and staff with firm political will, impeccable ethics, and high professional expertise.

There is every confidence that the collective of the Điện Biên provincial People’s Court will continue to uphold solidarity, responsibility, and resilience, striving tirelessly to fulfill the tasks entrusted by the Party, the State, and the people. This is how the court will remain worthy of its central role within the judicial system, a pillar of justice, and a source of trust for the people at the nation’s northwestern frontier.

Comrade Phan Văn Khanh, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chief Justice of the People’s Court of Điện Biên province