勅令

• Reading: ちょくれい
• Romaji: chokurei
• Kanji breakdown: 勅 (choku) — imperial edict, command from the emperor; 令 (rei) — order, command
• Pronunciation: /tɕo.kɯ.ɾeː/

Meaning

Imperial decree; imperial order. An edict issued directly by the emperor, carrying the force of law.

Under the Meiji Constitution (1889–1947), 勅令 carried legislative authority and could be issued without Diet approval in certain circumstances. They were used to promulgate important laws and institutional regulations throughout the prewar period. Under the current postwar Constitution (1947), the Emperor has only ceremonial functions, so imperial decrees in the traditional sense no longer exist. Primarily a historical and academic term today.

Examples

1. 明治政府は勅令によって多くの重要制度を定めた。 The Meiji government established many important institutions by imperial decree.
2. 大日本帝国憲法下では勅令が議会の立法に準ずる効力を持った。 Under the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, imperial decrees held authority equivalent to legislation by parliament.
3. 戦前の教育制度は勅令に基づいて整備されていた。 The prewar educational system was established on the basis of imperial decrees.

Usage Guide

Context: history, law, politics, Meiji era

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 勅 (imperial command, edict; refers specifically to orders from the emperor) and 令 (order, command). An order that emanates directly from imperial authority.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Prewar

Generation: All ages (historical context)

Social background: Universal