Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reshapes legal and judicial systems

 

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reshapes legal and judicial systems

Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative is making significant strides in transforming the kingdom's legal and judicial framework, aiming to create a more predictable and business-friendly environment while upholding the centrality of Sharia in the legal system.

Legal Codification: Traditionally relying on uncodified Islamic law, Saudi Arabia has recently undertaken the codification of laws, a pivotal move to establish a more predictable legal and judicial environment. Unlike its Gulf Cooperation Council counterparts, Saudi judges had the freedom to interpret cases based on their knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, leading to inconsistent rulings and making it challenging for lawyers to rely on precedents. Codification addresses these challenges, providing a more structured legal foundation.

 

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Vision 2030 Spurs Reforms: The launch of Vision 2030 in 2016 intensified the need for legal reforms to attract foreign investors and businesses. Notable changes include the 2018 Bankruptcy Law, the Personal Status Law issued in 2022, the Law of Evidence effective from July 2022, and the upcoming implementation of the Civil Transaction Law in December. These laws, derived from Sharia while considering international obligations, legal trends, and judicial practices, aim to enhance the ease of doing business and create a more transparent and predictable legal framework.

Digitalization and Technological Advancements: Accompanying legal reforms is the Ministry of Justice's digitalization efforts, exemplified by the Najiz app launched in 2021. Offering 140 services, the app streamlines judicial procedures, enabling users to file cases, submit evidence, and engage in various legal processes. While the digitalization of court sessions has accelerated proceedings, it also necessitates continuous training for judges and lawyers to adapt to the evolving legal landscape.

 

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Addressing Societal Issues: Legal reforms have also addressed societal challenges, including the rise in divorce rates. The establishment of reconciliation offices and the independent Reconciliation Center, supported by online platforms, seeks to settle family, spousal, and business disputes through mediation. Such initiatives aim to maintain stability within families and reduce the caseload before judges.

Challenges and Future Outlook: While the transformation of Saudi Arabia's legal and judicial systems is substantial, challenges remain. Continuous training for legal professionals is essential to keep pace with ongoing changes. Furthermore, ensuring public awareness, especially among women, remains crucial. The readiness of judges to adhere to new regulations and reforms will be a critical factor in determining the success of Saudi Arabia's legal and judicial overhaul.

 

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In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's commitment to reshaping its legal and judicial systems under Vision 2030 reflects a comprehensive strategy to enhance the business environment, uphold Sharia principles, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens and residents.

Source: https://agsiw.org/