Minister of Justice: The Law Regulating the Judiciary Represents the Largest Reform in the History of the Judicial Authority
Justice Minister and Legal Advisor Nasser Al-Sumait stated that the Law Regulating the Judiciary, approved by the Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday, represents a pivotal milestone in the development of the judicial authority and the most significant reform process witnessed in its history.
In a statement to KUNA, Advisor Al-Sumait clarified that the law was enacted in implementation of the high directives of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, regarding the reform and development of the judicial system, enhancing its efficiency, and safeguarding the independence of the judicial authority.
He added that His Highness the Amir has closely followed and supervised this file through all stages of its preparation, and endorsed the completion of its constitutional procedures, considering the judiciary a fundamental pillar for the stability of the state, the rule of law, and the protection of rights and freedoms.
Advisor Al-Sumait noted that the law reorganizes several key issues in judicial work, including the selection, promotion, and oversight of judicial authority members, according to clear and disciplined rules that ensure competence and integrity, while safeguarding the dignity and status of the judicial office.
He indicated that the law established clear rules for filling senior administrative positions in the judiciary, setting their tenure at four years, renewable once, with the period calculated from the date of assuming each position. This allows for the succession of competencies and expertise, and its implementation entails the reformation of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary according to the new organization.
Furthermore, the law introduced a decisive solution to discrepancies and conflicts in judicial principles through a Principles Unification Body at the Court of Cassation, making the principles established by this body binding on all courts and mandatory in subsequent cases. This consolidates uniformity in judicial interpretation, reduces divergent rulings, and strengthens legal certainty and the stability of legal positions.
He explained that the law enhances litigation guarantees and the role of the Public Prosecution in overseeing detention facilities, regulates electronic trials, and supports the state’s plan to Kuwaitize the judiciary by reducing promotion periods and providing a faster track for national competencies to advance to higher judicial positions.
Concluding his statement to KUNA, the Minister of Justice said, “The rule of law is one of the pillars of the state’s legal framework, and it has no foundation except an independent and honest judiciary before which all are equal, without distinction or discrimination. This is our proud and steadfast Kuwaiti judiciary, which has always been and remains a source of trust and pride for society. This law comes to support its progress, consolidate its guarantees, safeguard its dignity and independence, while preserving its judicial traditions and established customs, and building upon them to develop the justice sector.”
