RIYADH - Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Walid Al-Samaani thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman on the occasion of the approval of the Law of Evidence by the Council of Ministers. The Law of Evidence is the first of the four key judicial reform legislations that Saudi Arabia is going to implement in the near future. The Law of Evidence will be followed by the introduction of the Civil Status Law, the Civil Transactions Law, and the Penal Code for Discretionary Sentences, and these laws are regarded as part of a new wave of judicial reforms being initiated in the Kingdom. Outlining major features of the law, the minister said that the specialized legislations will have a significant positive impact on the judiciary and the Saudi society in general. This is because of the integrated objectivity of the legislations as they are based on several foundations, and first and foremost of which are the provisions of Islamic Shariah, its rules and purposes; and the ground realities in terms of economic, social and other aspects of Saudi life. The international studies and experiences were also taken into consideration while drafting these legislations, the minister said. Al-Samaani appreciated the keenness shown and the support extended by the Crown Prince to develop the integrated system of specialized legislations that consolidate the principles of justice and transparency and contribute to achieving comprehensive development. He lauded the contents of the statement issued by the Crown Prince on the occasion of the issuance of the Law of Evidence and what was stated in it regarding the development of the Kingdom's legislative system and raising its quality, in addition to enhancing the performance of the judicial institutions. This is in view of the fact that these laws are basic pillars in achieving transparency and justice, as well as in realizing a major qualitative leap in the system of judicial legislation. Al-Samaani explained that the most important objectives of the Law of Evidence include the stability of judicial rulings and the speedy settlement of disputes. The judge can devote himself to analyze, describe and show with evidence the real happening and then applying the legal text to the happening, in addition to achieving preventive justice, by urging the parties to document their contractual dealings in a way that preserves their rights.
