Article 1 of the Saudi Law of the Judiciary
المادة 1 من نظام القضاء
The article establishes that judges are independent, subject in their judgments only to the provisions of Islamic Sharia and the laws in force, and that no one may interfere with the judiciary.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
القضاة مستقلون، لا سلطان عليهم في قضائهم لغير أحكام الشريعة الإسلامية والأنظمة المرعية، وليس لأحد التدخل في القضاء.
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 sets out the basic principle on which the whole Law of the Judiciary rests: the independence of judges. This means that when a judge hears a case and rules on it, he is not subject to orders or directions from any body or person, and is bound by only two sources of authority:
- The provisions of Islamic Sharia.
- The laws in force, that is, the laws applied in the Kingdom.
The article adds an express general prohibition: no one may interfere with the judiciary. The text is absolute and does not exempt any particular body or capacity.
This principle matters to everyone with a case before the courts, because it means that judgment is issued on the basis of what Sharia and the laws require in the case, not on the basis of the influence of one of the parties or pressure from outside the court.
Article 2 then supports this independence with another guarantee, since it provides that judges cannot be removed except in the cases set out in this Law, so there is no fear that a judge will lose his post because of a judgment he issued outside those cases.
The article sets out the principle and does not specify in its text a particular procedure for someone who believes interference occurred in his case. Anyone in that position is best advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in litigation and court procedures.
Practical example
Ahmed is a party to a land dispute before a court in Riyadh, and the other party is a well-known person in his region. Ahmed fears that his opponent's influence will affect the judgment. This article reassures him that the judge is subject in his judgment only to the provisions of Sharia and the laws in force, and that no one may interfere with the judiciary.
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 1 of the Saudi Law of the Judiciary
Are judges in Saudi Arabia independent?
Yes. The article provides that judges are independent and are subject in their judgments only to the provisions of Islamic Sharia and the laws in force.
May any body interfere with the work of the judiciary?
No. The article expressly provides that no one may interfere with the judiciary.
What authority does a judge rule by?
A judge rules according to the provisions of Islamic Sharia and the laws in force, and is subject to nothing else in his judgment.
More articles on Judicial Independence and Judges' Guarantees
- Article 2
The article provides that judges may not be removed except in the cases set out in the Law of the Judiciary itself.
القضاة غير قابلين للعزل إلا في الحالات المبينة في هذا النظام.
- Article 3
The article prevents transferring judges to other posts except with their consent or because of their promotion and in accordance with the Law, without prejudice to Article 49.
مع عدم الإخلال بحكم المادة التاسعة والأربعين من هذا النظام، لا ينقل القضاة إلى وظائف أخرى إلا برضاهم أو بسبب ترقيتهم ووفق أحكام هذا النظام.
- Article 4
Judges may not be sued over their official acts except under the conditions and rules for their discipline, without prejudice to Article 68.
مع عدم الإخلال بحكم المادة الثامنة والستين من هذا النظام، لا تجوز مخاصمة القضاة - بسبب أعمال وظيفتهم - إلا وفق الشروط والقواعد الخاصة بتأديبهم.
- Article 46
The article bars removing a member of the judicial corps, other than a lieutenant or a probationary initial appointee, except on the grounds in paragraphs (f, g, h) of Article 69 and under the Law's procedures.
فيما عدا الملازم القضائي ومن يعين ابتداءً تحت التجربة، لا يعزل عضو السلك القضائي إلا بناءً على الأسباب المنصوص عليها في الفقرات (و، ز، ح) من المادة التاسعة والس
- Article 51
The article prohibits combining judicial office with engaging in trade or any post or work inconsistent with judicial independence and dignity, and allows the Supreme Judicial Council to bar a judge from any work that conflicts with his duties.
لا يجوز الجمع بين وظيفة القضاء ومزاولة التجارة، أو أي وظيفة أو عمل لا يتفق مع استقلال القضاء وكرامته. ويجوز للمجلس الأعلى للقضاء أن يقرر منع القاضي من مباشرة أي
- Article 68
The article requires that the case of a member of the judicial corps arrested in the act be brought before the Supreme Judicial Council within 24 hours, and otherwise bars arresting or investigating him except with the Council's permission.
يجب عند القبض على عضو السلك القضائي وتوقيفه - في حالة تلبسه بجريمة - أن يرفع أمره إلى المجلس الأعلى للقضاء خلال أربع وعشرين ساعة من القبض عليه. وللمجلس أن يقرر
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.