Al-Sameet: "Judicial Organization" is the largest reform in the history of the judiciary
Justice Minister and Legal Advisor Nasser Al-Sumait affirmed that the Cabinet’s approval of the law regulating the judiciary represents a pivotal milestone in the development of the judicial authority and the most significant reform process witnessed in its history.
Al-Sumait stated yesterday that the law was enacted in implementation of the high directives of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait regarding the reform and development of the judicial system, enhancing its efficiency, and safeguarding the independence of the judicial authority. He noted that His Highness has closely followed this file at 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.
He clarified that the law reorganizes several key issues in judicial work, including the selection and promotion of members of the judicial authority, and the inspection of their work according to clear and disciplined rules that ensure competence and integrity, while preserving the dignity and status of the judicial office.
Al-Sumait pointed out 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 the first appointment to any of these positions. 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 structure.
He added that the law introduced a decisive solution to discrepancies and conflicts in judicial principles through the Principle Unification Body at the Court of Cassation, making the principles established by this body binding on all courts and mandatory to follow in subsequent cases. This consolidates uniformity in judicial interpretation, reduces divergent rulings, and strengthens legal certainty and the stability of legal positions.
Al-Sumait explained that the law enhances the guarantees of litigation and the role of the Public Prosecution in monitoring detention facilities, regulates electronic trials, and supports the state’s plan for the Kuwaitization of the judiciary by reducing promotion periods and providing a faster track for national talents to advance to higher judicial positions.
He emphasized that the rule of law is one of the pillars of the state’s legal framework, which relies solely on an independent and honest judiciary where all are equal before the law without discrimination or favoritism. He added, “This is our proud and steadfast Kuwaiti judiciary, which has always been and remains a source of trust and pride for society. This law supports its progress, consolidates its guarantees, and safeguards its dignity and independence, while preserving its judicial traditions and established customs to build upon them for the development of the justice system.”
