Minister of Justice: Decree reducing promotion periods is the first step in implementing the Judiciary Organization Law

Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Sumeit said on Sunday that the issuance of Decree No. 136 of 2026, which reduces the minimum required tenure for remaining in the ranks of judges and public prosecution members, represents one of the initial executive steps accompanying the entry into force of the Law on the Organization of the Judiciary.

Advisor Al-Sumeit told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the implementation of the law opens a new phase in which efforts shift from legislation to execution, emphasizing that the success of the reform is not measured by the number of provisions that have changed, but by what people experience: a reduction in the duration of litigation, stability of legal principles, reduction of conflicting rulings, enhanced performance efficiency, strengthened oversight and accountability, and the delivery of rights to their owners with greater efficiency and speed.

He clarified that the law comes within the framework of the comprehensive reform process outlined by the high directives of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, and the special attention His Highness has paid to developing the justice sector, addressing shortcomings, preparing national cadres, accelerating the Kuwaitization of the judiciary and support functions, and enhancing the stability of rulings and justice.

He noted that the decree set the tenure at three years for most judicial ranks and four years for the rank of Deputy Public Prosecutor (C), thereby shortening the timeline for promoting national talents to senior judicial positions, in line with the high directives to expedite the full Kuwaitization of the judiciary and public prosecution without compromising standards of seniority, eligibility, competence, inspection reports, and legal controls governing promotions.

He explained that the law’s implementation entails reshaping the Supreme Council of the Judiciary according to the new organization of senior judicial positions and their tenures, consolidating organized rotation and providing opportunities for qualified talents to participate in managing the judicial sector, with current officeholders continuing their duties until appointment decrees are issued.

Advisor Al-Sumeit pointed out that the explanatory memorandum settled the philosophy of this organization, deciding that “holding these positions is a duty necessitated by the needs of the institution, not a personal entitlement or a permanent right to remain in them.” Those whose terms expire return to exercising their judicial functions according to their rank and seniority, as adjudicating people’s disputes is the core function of a judge, while administrative posts are temporary stages in their career.

He added that the new organization also extends to several leadership positions in the public prosecution, including the Attorney General and other senior prosecution leaders, in accordance with the conditions and controls stipulated by the law. Its application will result in the reorganization of some of these positions, with those whose terms expire returning to work in the judiciary according to their ranks and seniority.

He affirmed that the next phase will witness institutional cooperation and coordination with the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, each within its jurisdiction, to translate legislative reforms into actual practice within courts and the public prosecution, reflecting improvements in the quality, speed, and stability of justice.

Advisor Al-Sumeit said, “The law has been issued and entered into force, but the real work begins now. Our goal is not for people to feel that a new law has been issued, but that justice itself has become more efficient and stable, and that their rights reach them faster. This is the measure by which we will judge the success of the reform.”

The Official Gazette (Kuwait Al-Yawm) had earlier today published Law Decree No. 80 of 2026, issuing the Law on the Organization of the Judiciary, and Decree No. 136 of 2026, replacing the schedule attached to Decree No. 126 of 2018 concerning the minimum required tenure for remaining in the ranks of judges and public prosecution members.