Judicial System

Judicial System in Saudi Arabia
12) Determining the cases to be tried by a single judge
in criminal cases and with respect to general courts:
Criminal cases in specialized circuits are usually heard
and tried by three judges, and as well general courts try
and hear some cases by more than one judge except with
respect to minor cases which may be heard and tried by
a single judge; thus the Supreme Judicial Council will
determine which criminal cases to be heard and tried by
a single judge and the cases to be heard and tried by a
single judge within the hierarchy of the general courts. (1)
13) Permitting courts to try cases outside courts’
premises: As a general rule, cases are considered inside
courts’ premises except for cases where the facts require
visiting the dispute place; however, the Supreme Judicial
Council may decide to allow courts to consider cases
outside their premises. (2)
14) Formation of a circuit or more circuits to consider
Haj and Omrah cases: given the huge number of Haj
pilgrims and visitors during Omrah and the expeditious
nature of their cases, the Supreme Judicial Council may
set up circuit/s, when the need arises, to consider cases
relating to Haj pilgrims and Omrah visitors in Mecca. (3)
15) Resolving conflicts of jurisdictions and conflict of
rulings: The Supreme Judicial Council may form a
(1) Ibid, sections 19 and 20.
(2) Ibid, section 26.
(3) Ibid, section 26 /2.
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