Article 160 of the Saudi Criminal Procedure Law
المادة 160 من نظام الإجراءات الجزائية · الفصل السادس: إجراءات الجلسة ونظامها
Article 160 requires the court to direct the charge to the accused in the session, read the statement of claim, explain it and give the accused a copy, then ask for the accused's answer.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
توجه المحكمة التهمة إلى المتهم في الجلسة، وتتلى عليه لائحة الدعوى وتوضح له ويعطى صورة منها، ثم تسأله المحكمة الجواب عن ذلك.
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 160 explained in plain English
This article sets the steps for directing the charge to the accused in the session, in this order:
- The court directs the charge to the accused in the session.
- The statement of claim is read to the accused.
- It is explained to the accused.
- The accused is given a copy of it.
- The court then asks the accused for his or her answer to it.
These steps ensure that the accused knows clearly what is attributed to him or her before being asked to respond, and has in hand a copy of the statement of claim to refer to, together with whoever defends the accused.
The course of the trial is then determined by the accused's answer. Article 161 deals with the case where the accused confesses to the charge: the court hears the accused's statements in detail and discusses them with the accused, and if it is satisfied that the confession is true and sees no need for other evidence, it is content with it and rules on the case, and it must complete the investigation if it finds reason to. Article 159 also regulates amending the statement of claim with the court's authorization, with the accused informed and given sufficient opportunity to prepare a defense.
Before answering the charge, it is useful for the accused to review the statement of claim with a lawyer specialized in criminal cases.
Practical example
Yusuf attended the first session in his case before a court in Riyadh. The court directed the charge to him, the statement of claim was read to him and explained, he was given a copy of it, and then the court asked him for his answer.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 160 of the Saudi Criminal Procedure Law
Is the accused entitled to a copy of the statement of claim?
Yes. The article provides that the accused is given a copy of the statement of claim.
How is the charge directed to the accused?
The court directs it in the session, the statement of claim is read to the accused and explained, and then the court asks the accused for his or her answer to it.
More articles on Criminal Trial Procedures
- Article 1
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.
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، وتتق
- 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.
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.