Jordan Times
Monday, May 31, 1999
King pledges to strengthen authority of judicial branch
MMAN (J.T.) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday said that independence of the judiciary is a sacred matter and that “we will do all in our power to consolidate the judiciary's authority and enhance its independence.”
Speaking during a visit to the Palace of Justice, where he met with Taher Hikmat, head of the Judicial Council and the Court of Cassation, and senior court judges, King Abdullah expressed pride in the performance of the judiciary, saying that it will be given “all possible support” to further promote its performance.
The King said efforts should be made to modernise legislation and procedures to better facilitate social development and serve Jordanian society.
King Abdullah also called on judges to speed up court proceedings.
“I chose to call on you in order to express pride in and satisfaction with your efforts and I hope that within one or two weeks we will meet again to hear from you about plans for promoting the work of the judicial authority,” said the King.
“Perhaps the economic situation assumes priority, but your mission is no less important, requiring due attention, and I will spare no effort in providing support for your endeavours,” he added.
King Abdullah expressed hope that the judicial authority would help deal with the economic situation.
The King was briefed by Hikmat on the role of the Judicial Council in modernising the judiciary and efforts to facilitate court procedures.
In the letter of designation to Prime Minister Abdur-Ra'uf S. Rawabdeh, King Abdullah said that the judiciary should be developed and that working conditions of the judges should be improved.
“Prompt justice is bound to enhance citizens' confidence and reassure them of their rights and freedoms,” said the King in the letter.
Accompanying the King on the visit was Royal Court Chief Abdul Karim Kabariti.