The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is proceeding according to serious steps in recent years towards developing the legislative environment.
This will be achieved through introducing and reforming regulations that preserve rights, entrench principles of justice, transparency, protect human rights, achieve comprehensive development, and enhance the Kingdom’s global competitiveness through references.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Saudi Crown Prince said that the draft personal status system, whose study is being completed, is one of four project systems that the relevant authorities are preparing.
He explained that they will be referred to the Council of Ministers and its agencies to study and review it according to the legislative principles. This is in preparation for referring it to the Shura Council according to its system, and then issuing it in accordance with the statutory principles followed in this regard.
The Saudi Crown Prince announced: “The draft personal status system, the draft civil transactions system, the draft penal system for discretionary penalties, and the draft evidentiary system, will represent a new wave of reforms. It will contribute to predictability of judgments, raise the level of integrity and efficiency of the performance of judicial agencies and increase the reliability of procedures and mechanisms. It will achieve the principles of justice that impose clear limits on responsibility and the stability of the legal authority, which limits individual judgment.
Furthermore, Mohammed bin Salman pointed out, “The lack of these legislation has led to a discrepancy in rulings and a lack of clarity in the rules governing facts and practices, which has led to a prolonged period of litigation that is not based on legal texts. In addition to what this caused in the absence of a clear legal framework for individuals and the business sector in building their obligations. This has been painful for many individuals and families, especially for women, and has enabled some to shirk their responsibilities, which will not be repeated if these regulations are approved.”
Moreover, he added, “Years ago, what was known as the draft Judicial Code was prepared. After the study it became clear that it does not meet the needs and aspirations of society.”
Therefore, he continued, “the preparation of the draft of these four regulations was considered, taking into account the latest legal trends and modern international judicial practices, without contradicting Sharia rulings.”
He takes into account the Kingdom’s obligations with regard to the international charters and agreements that it has joined, noting that “the process of developing the legislative system is continuing in the Kingdom, and these legislations will be issued successively during this year,” he underscored.
