The Media’s Role in Making the 2013 Constitution of Vietnam

The mass media have an important influence on law-making, but there is little empirical research on its role in making of Constitution in Vietnam. This paper analyzes the role of media in the legislative process that resulted in the legal regulation of human rights, and fundamental rights in the Constitution. The analysis of claims made in the media and in parliament shows that during the legislative process, political actors responded to media attention directly and indirectly. Long-term trends in media coverage for specific topics contributed to the introduction of and support for amendments to the Constitution. The mass media have made a public forum for all the social classes to contribute their opinions on the draft constitution. At the same time, the mass media give feedback and comments of scientists and people for law-making activities. On that base, legislators gather information and selectively absorb relevant opinions for the purpose of amending, supplementing and increasingly completing legal documents.