Judicial system of Saudi Arabia and analysis of jurisdiction courts of first instance

Open Access

Abstract

The above analysis of the development of judicial system of Saudi Arabia allows authors reflecting the dynamics of the judiciary hierarchy. Particular attention is focused on the jurisdiction of the courts of first instance. The Law on the Justice System of Saudi Arabia (2007) excluded single consideration of petty crimes by kadi. Hence, their consideration was completely transferred to the courts of first instance in a collegiate composition of three kadis. In most countries of the world, consideration of petty crimes has been transferred to the jurisdiction of world courts or magistrates' courts. Therefore, the authors recommend the legislator of Saudi Arabia to return to the system of courts of summary jurisdiction, which provide the consideration of petty criminal cases under simplified legal proceedings.