The History of Organization and Systematization of Mongolian Law: Key Stages

The systematization of Mongolian legislation, particularly the historical development of codification, has not been extensively studied before. Therefore this article addresses the history of codification in Mongolia, attempts to provide a new framework for periodization and makes certain proposals. Furthermore an effort has been made to demonstrate that in the early 20th century Mongolians first utilized the theoretical method of legislative codification to classify their legal system. After Mongolia restored its independence in 1911 it initiated independent legislative activities as a sovereign state. In drafting the «Mongol Ulsyn Khuul Zuyl Bichig» (The Law of Mongolia enacted by Bogd Khan’s Edict) the theoretical method of legislative codification was employed enabling the revision of previous laws, establishment of new legal norms, elimination of outdated provisions and those conflicting with national sovereignty, and ultimately the full implementation of legal systematization in practice. As a result this legal code met the fundamental criteria of codification. It consists of 65 books, each of which regulates a certain type of legal relations and is applicable throughout the entire territory of Mongolia. These various criteria and factors confirm its codified nature.