Abstract:
This research aimed principally to analyze judicial investigation in the Thai law system embedded in the law textbook entitled Lakchai, together withthe contents and language styles. The analysis was carried out on eleven copies of the textbook, six of which were revised and then published for public, and the rest kept at the National Library. Document studies and descriptive analysis were the main methodology. The research has shown certain interesting findings as follows. First, there are in these law textbooks six important contents relating to the investigation practice i.e. nine pairs of contradicting cases written by the teacher Tisapamokha, eight indications, proof of evidence, characteristics of case, appointment of judges by PhraShinnasi for case administration, and the four types of inheritance known as the Four Gates.The theft, quarrel and adultery have been in this law textbook. Second, the law textbooks Lakchai and The Law of Three Seals were similar in that they both contained such information as appealing and court procedures, cancelling cases in times of the breach of law by any litigant, investigation of witness, and qualifications of accusers. Next, the judicial process was based heavily upon the enquiry of witness, plaintiff and defendant and the investigation of evidence, and had no punishment. Fourth, with specific regard to its writing styles, these law textbooks presented information in logical, understandable order with clear explanations, technical terms, some of which are still in use today, and both simple and compound sentences in order to give ideas. Moreover, the information in the books reflected the way of life and well-being of people at that time. Finally, Lakchai also incorporated miscellany which were of no relation to case investigation, for example, mystic symbols, numericals and Thai scripts.