Cham law

The term "Cham law" refers to the legal systems and customary laws historically practiced by the Cham people, an Austronesian ethnic group primarily located in Southeast Asia. These laws, often interwoven with religious beliefs and social customs, varied across different Cham polities and time periods, reflecting the diverse influences of Indianization, Islamization, and regional interactions.

While no single codified "Cham law" exists as a comprehensive document, legal principles and social norms were transmitted orally and through established traditions. Key aspects likely included regulations pertaining to:

• Land tenure: Rules governing land ownership, inheritance, and usage rights.
• Marriage and family: Customs and practices relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and kinship obligations.
• Social hierarchy: Regulations pertaining to social status, caste (where applicable), and the responsibilities associated with different social roles.
• Dispute resolution: Mechanisms for resolving conflicts, which could involve village elders, religious leaders, or formal courts depending on the specific historical context and polity.
• Religious observances: Laws and customs associated with religious practices, including rituals, ceremonies, and temple administration.

The study of Cham law is complicated by the limited availability of primary sources. Much of our understanding is derived from archaeological evidence, inscriptions, historical accounts by foreign observers, and comparative analysis with the legal traditions of neighboring cultures. The influence of Indian legal systems, particularly Hindu and Buddhist principles, is evident in certain aspects of Cham social organization and legal thought. The adoption of Islam in later periods also led to the incorporation of Islamic legal principles, particularly in areas related to family law and inheritance.

The modern legal landscape of the areas historically inhabited by the Cham people is governed by the national laws of the countries in which they reside, such as Vietnam and Cambodia. However, elements of traditional Cham law and customs may continue to influence local practices and social norms within Cham communities.