1000 judges enroll in the Higher Diploma Program in Civil Law
In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its judicial system, the number of judges enrolled in the Higher Diploma in Civil Law has exceeded 1,000, representing various levels of the judiciary. This pioneering program, implemented by the Judicial Training Center, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of judicial personnel and equip them to effectively and competently address modern legal developments.
Legislative renaissance in Saudi Arabia and the establishment of the Higher Diploma in Civil Law
To understand the significance of launching the Higher Diploma in Civil Law, one must consider the broader context and historical background of the radical transformations taking place in the Kingdom's justice sector. Within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, launched a package of major legislative reforms. These reforms included the issuance of fundamental laws such as the Law of Evidence, the Personal Status Law, and the Civil Transactions Law. The Civil Transactions Law represents a qualitative and historic leap, as it codifies the provisions of contracts and financial obligations in accordance with the principles of Islamic Sharia and in line with best international practices. To keep pace with this development, His Excellency the Minister of Justice, Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, inaugurated this diploma program last October to ensure the optimal application of these laws.
Details of the training program and its strategic objectives
The training program comprises 21 courses totaling 380 training hours, delivered by a select group of experts and specialists in civil law. It includes an in-depth study of general theories of obligations, contracts, and real rights, along with practical judicial applications and mechanisms for managing civil litigation. This comprehensive training aims to enhance the soundness of legal classification and improve the quality of judicial reasoning in civil cases, thereby contributing directly to the stability of transactions and the preservation of rights.
The expected impact of training judges locally and internationally
This judicial reform is of paramount importance and has a far-reaching impact on several levels. Locally, empowering judges to accurately apply the provisions of the Civil Transactions Law contributes to consolidating the principles of justice and transparency, and enhancing the predictability of judicial rulings. This, in turn, reduces the duration of litigation and protects the rights of individuals and entities. Regionally and internationally, a clear legislative environment and a highly qualified judiciary bolster foreign investor confidence in the Saudi market. Legal stability and the predictability of rulings are among the most important pillars for attracting foreign direct investment, which supports the national economy and positions the Kingdom among the leading countries in terms of the rule of law and business environment indicators.
Implementation phases and the future of judicial efficiency
The program's first phase targeted judges of the general courts to ensure that efforts were focused on the group most frequently dealing with civil cases. The second phase will include all judges in the Kingdom, in addition to lawyers, creating a harmonious legal environment between the two pillars of justice (the judiciary and the legal profession). The first cohort of this ambitious program is scheduled to graduate in 2026, as part of the approved plan to develop judicial competence in the civil courts, thus establishing a new era of institutional excellence within the Saudi Ministry of Justice.
