Law of Myanmar

Burmese law is based on common law, and is characterised by significant legal pluralism, with state law coexisting with various customary justice systems across the diverse nation. The legal system of Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a complex, due to significant historical influences, including ancient customary laws, British colonial imprints, and post-independence legislative and judicial developments. Myanmar stands out as the only majority Buddhist country to have developed and maintained a court-enforced system of family law (called Burmese customary law) for Buddhists.

Decades of Socialist and military rule has eroded the country's legal institutions. Myanmar's legal system has been characterised by a severe and systematic absence of the rule of law, rampant corruption, and human rights abuses, particularly since the 2021 Myanmar coup. In 2024, it ranked 138th across 142 countries, in the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index. Beyond state law, ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) often apply their own justice systems and laws in contested areas.