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                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1




               (Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps, LLP Letterhead)

August 29, 1997


Patriot Scientific Corporation
10989 Via Frontera
San Diego, California 92127

Re:      Registration Statement on Form SB-2

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are counsel for Patriot Scientific Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Patriot"), in connection with the preparation of a Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 of which this opinion is a part, to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), for the sale by certain selling
shareholders (the "Selling Shareholders") of 3,172,068 shares of Patriot's
common stock (the "Common Stock").

In connection with rendering our opinion as set forth below, we have reviewed
and examined originals or copies of such corporate records and other documents
and have satisfied ourselves as to such other matters as we have deemed
necessary to enable us to express our opinion hereinafter set forth.

Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that:

The shares of Common Stock being registered for the account of the Selling
Shareholders have been validly issued, and are fully paid and non-assessable.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the caption
"Legal Matters" in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement.




                                     Very truly yours,


                                     /s/  LUCE, FORWARD, HAMILTON & SCRIPPS LLP






                                      EX-8