Minister of Justice: The Law Regulating the Judiciary Represents the Largest Reform in the History of the Kuwaiti Judicial Authority
Kuwait City, 18 Aug (KUNA) – Minister of Justice and Grand Mufti Nasser Al-Samit said that the Law Regulating the Judiciary, approved by the Cabinet in its meeting today, 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 the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Samit explained that the law was enacted in implementation of the high directives of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, 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, may God protect and guard him, 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.
Al-Samit 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, and safeguard the dignity and status of the judicial office.
He stated 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 rotation of competent professionals and expertise, and its implementation will necessitate the reconstitution of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary according to the new framework.
Furthermore, the law provides a decisive solution to divergent and conflicting 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 in subsequent cases. This consolidates uniformity in judicial interpretation, reduces disparate rulings, and strengthens legal certainty and the stability of legal positions.
The law also enhances litigation guarantees, strengthens the role of the Public Prosecution in overseeing detention facilities, and regulates electronic trials. Additionally, it 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.
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 substance without an independent and honest judiciary before which all are equal, without discrimination or favoritism. This is our proud and steadfast Kuwaiti judiciary, which has always been and remains the object of society’s trust and pride. This law serves 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.” (End) N.S. / T.A.B.
