Article 1 of the Saudi Criminal Procedure Law
المادة 1 من نظام الإجراءات الجزائية · الباب الأول: أحكام عامة
The article requires the courts to apply Sharia rules and the regulations that do not conflict with the Quran and the Sunnah, and to observe the procedures of the Criminal Procedure Law when hearing cases.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تطبق المحاكم على القضايا المعروضة أمامها أحكام الشريعة الإسلامية، وفقًا لما دل عليه الكتاب والسنة، وما يصدره ولي الأمر من أنظمة لا تتعارض مع الكتاب والسنة، وتتقيد في إجراءات نظرها بما ورد في هذا النظام.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 1 explained in plain English
This article, which appears in the chapter of general provisions, lays down the basic rule for the work of the courts in the cases brought before them. It determines the rules the court applies and the procedures it is bound by when hearing a case.
The article distinguishes between two matters:
- What the court rules by: The rules of Islamic Sharia according to what the Quran and the Sunnah indicate, and the regulations issued by the ruler, provided they do not conflict with the Quran and the Sunnah.
- How the court hears the case: The courts are bound, in the procedures for hearing cases, by what is stated in the Criminal Procedure Law; the Law is the reference for the steps in conducting the case.
This rule matters to both the accused and the victim, since it means a case is heard under procedures set out in the Law, not under unrestricted discretion. This is connected to what Article 2 provides: no person may be arrested, searched, detained or imprisoned except in the cases provided for by law, and the arrested person may not be harmed physically or morally, tortured or treated in a manner degrading to dignity.
Anyone with a criminal case who believes a procedure in it was taken contrary to the Law would do well to consult a lawyer specialized in criminal cases to assess his position.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentA question about Article 1 of Criminal Procedure Law?
Describe what happened and specialist lawyers answer. You can write in English.
- Completely free
- Lawyers from the directory answer
- Your name stays hidden
Criminal Law lawyers: ask a specialist about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
Criminal Law lawyers
Lawyers who handle this kind of case
شركة امتداد النظام للمحاماة والاستشارات المهنية
- Labour & Employment Law
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Law
- Commercial & Corporate Law
Frequently asked questions about Article 1 of the Saudi Criminal Procedure Law
What rules do the courts in Saudi Arabia apply to cases?
The courts apply the rules of Islamic Sharia according to what the Quran and the Sunnah indicate, and the regulations issued by the ruler that do not conflict with the Quran and the Sunnah.
Are courts bound by specific procedures in a criminal case?
Yes. The article provides that the courts are bound, in the procedures for hearing cases, by what is stated in the Criminal Procedure Law.
More articles on Criminal Trial Procedures
- Article 5
The article bars referring a case already brought before a court to another court or body, or anyone withdrawing it, before judgment, and treats the case as brought from the date it is registered at the court.
إذا رفعت قضية إلى محكمة فلا تجوز إحالتها إلى محكمة أو جهة أخرى ولا يحق لأحد سحبها منها قبل الحكم فيها، وتعد القضية مرفوعة من تاريخ قيدها في المحكمة.
- Article 6
The article makes trying the accused the role of the courts under Sharia requirements and the Law's procedures, and allows the court to consider facts the public prosecutor did not allege if they need no investigation.
تتولى المحاكم محاكمة المتهمين فيما يسند إليهم من تهم وفقًا للمقتضى الشرعي وطبقًا للإجراءات المنصوص عليها في هذا النظام. وللمحكمة أن تنظر في وقائع غير مدعى بها م
- Article 7
The article requires the number of judges required by law to attend the sessions hearing a case and the judgment session, and says who is assigned to complete the quorum if the number is not met.
يجب أن يحضر جلسات النظر في القضية وجلسة إصدار الحكم العدد اللازم نظامًا من القضاة؛ فإن لم يتوافر العدد اللازم فيكلف رئيس المحكمة من يكمل النصاب من قضاتها، فإن ت
- Article 12
The article refers the investigation of juveniles and girls, and their trial, to the laws and regulations governing that.
يكون التحقيق مع الأحداث والفتيات ومحاكمتهم وفقًا للأنظمة واللوائح المنظمة لذلك.
- Article 18
The article provides that if the court finds a conflict between the interest of the victim or his heir and that of his representative, the representative is barred from continuing to plead and another representative is appointed.
إذا ظهر للمحكمة تعارض بين مصلحة المجني عليه أو وارثه من بعده وبين مصلحة نائبه؛ فَيُمْنَع النائب من الاستمرار في المرافعة، ويقام نائب آخر.
- Article 19
The article requires the court, if it finds accused persons other than those the case was brought against, or other facts related to the charge, to notify whoever brought the case so the procedures can be completed.
إذا تبين للمحكمة - في دعوى مقامة أمامها - أن هناك متهمين غير من أقيمت الدعوى عليهم، أو وقائع أخرى مرتبطة بالتهمة المعروضة، فعليها إبلاغ من رفع الدعوى بذلك؛ لاست
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.