Minister of Justice: Decree reducing promotion periods is the first step in implementing the Judicial Organization Law
Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Sameet confirmed yesterday that the issuance of Decree No. 136 of 2026, which reduces the minimum required periods 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 Regulating the Judiciary.
Advisor Al-Sameet told (KUNA) that the implementation of the law opens a new phase in which efforts shift from legislation to execution, stressing 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, limitation 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, and the special attention he has paid to developing the justice sector, addressing shortcomings, preparing national cadres, accelerating the Kuwaitization of the judiciary and supporting functions, and enhancing the stability of rulings and justice.
He noted that the decree set the period of 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 and enabling them to reach senior judicial positions, in line with the high directives to expedite the full Kuwaitization of the judiciary and the Public Prosecution, without compromising standards of seniority, eligibility, competence, inspection reports, and legal controls governing promotions.
He explained that the entry into force of the law entails the reconstitution of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary according to the new organization of senior judicial positions and their tenures, to consolidate orderly rotation and provide opportunities for qualified talents to participate in managing the judicial sector, with current officeholders continuing their duties until appointment decrees are issued.
Advisor Al-Sameet 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,” and that those whose terms expire return to exercising their judicial functions according to their rank and seniority, as adjudicating people’s disputes is the core of a judge’s work, 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, foremost among them the position of Attorney General and several senior prosecution leaders, according to the conditions and controls stipulated by the law. Its application entails reorganizing the filling of some of these positions and returning those whose terms expire to work in the judiciary according to their ranks and seniority.
He affirmed that the coming 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 of justice, the speed of procedures, and the stability of rulings.
Advisor Al-Sameet 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 benchmark by which we will judge the success of the reform.”
The Official Gazette (Kuwait Al-Yawm) had previously published yesterday the Emiri Decree-Law No. 80 of 2026, issuing the Law Regulating the Judiciary, and Decree No. 136 of 2026, replacing the schedule attached to Decree No. 126 of 2018 concerning the minimum required periods for remaining in the ranks of judges and Public Prosecution members.
