1.
the Six Codes; fundamental laws of Japan
The six fundamental bodies of Japanese law: the Constitution, Civil Code, Commercial Code, Criminal Code, Code of Civil Procedure, and Code of Criminal Procedure.
六法は日本の法体系の基礎だ。
The Six Codes are the foundation of Japan's legal system.
2.
compendium of Japanese laws
A reference book containing the main Japanese laws, commonly used by law students and legal professionals.
法学部の学生は六法を持ち歩く。
Law students carry around a compendium of laws.
六法全書で条文を確認する。
I check the legal provisions in the complete law compendium.
THE SIX CODES:
1. 憲法 (Constitution)
2. 民法 (Civil Code)
3. 商法 (Commercial Code)
4. 刑法 (Criminal Code)
5. 民事訴訟法 (Code of Civil Procedure)
6. 刑事訴訟法 (Code of Criminal Procedure)
COMMON PRODUCTS:
- 六法全書 (complete compendium of laws)
- ポケット六法 (pocket-sized law book)
- 判例六法 (law book with case precedents)
USAGE NOTE: In practice, 六法 often refers to the physical book compiling these and other laws, not just the six specific codes.