‘Authorized to Depart from the Law’

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has posed myriad brain-wracking questions to decision-makers at all levels. Viet Nam managed curb mortality and morbidity praiseworthy levels in the past waves, however, now had its back against wall amidst recent exponential infection cases draining medical resources. For swiftly flattening curve, legislature authorized Government take bolder steps where needed, even different from laws. This article argues that while empowerment comes goodwill of for purpose containing raging outbreak, there remain procedural irregularities. should garner more attention state authority ensure rule law legality actions during time public health emergency.