Amman:The Judicial Expertise By-Law has officially come into force, marking a significant step in modernizing litigation procedures and establishing a comprehensive framework for forensic expertise, as announced by Jordan's Minister of Justice, Bassam Al-Talhouni.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Ministry of Justice issued a press statement in which Al-Talhouni emphasized that this new legislation is part of broader ministerial efforts to reform the judicial environment. The By-Law aims to enhance procedural transparency, reduce litigation durations, and increase public confidence in court decisions.
The By-Law introduces several institutional mechanisms within the judicial branch, including the creation of a Judicial Expertise Directorate across various courts. This new administrative body will standardize workflows and expedite case processing by overseeing operational and technical procedures.
Forensic expertise has been restricted under the new regulations to certified and sworn experts registered with the ministry. These experts must pass technical examinations and interviews in specific disciplines, with annual license renewals required to maintain professional qualifications.
In support of the Kingdom's digital transformation agenda, the By-Law incorporates an automated electronic platform for managing expert-related procedures. This system digitizes processes such as expert registration, court assignments, performance evaluations, electronic notifications, and complaint filings, effectively removing the need for paper-based administration.
Al-Talhouni further noted that certified expert rosters will be transparently available on the Ministry of Justice's website, with electronic registry records maintaining full legal validity.
To ensure impartiality, the By-Law introduces a randomized rotational assignment mechanism for selecting experts and establishes a centralized account for managing fee collections and disbursements.
Regarding oversight and accountability, the By-Law sets up evaluation committees to handle performance appeals and introduces a disciplinary scale that ranges from warnings to temporary suspensions and permanent expulsions from the registry. It also strictly prohibits ex parte communication between experts and litigants outside of approved legal channels.
To aid compliance, the ministry has released operational manuals and instructional materials for legal practitioners and certified experts.