Constitutional Court symbolises key reform milestone — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday stressed that the Constitutional Court is a key pillar in the comprehensive national reform process, serving as a guarantor of the rule of law and rights, while it guards the lines separating the jurisdictions of the various authorities. (see infographic)

During His Majesty’s visit to the court, which was established to fulfil constitutional amendments made in 2011, he met with its president, Taher Hikmat, and the other members.

According to a Royal Court statement, the King voiced his appreciation of the court’s efforts and achievements during the past two years, adding that these achievements contributed to enhancing the democratic change the Kingdom pursues.  

His Majesty underlined his continuous support for the court to enable it to perform its work with a high level of transparency, neutrality and independence. 

In this regard, King Abdullah referred to the importance of building on the court’s achievements in a way that serves cooperation and coordination among all branches of government.

The Monarch expressed hope that the new members of the court, who took the oath before the King last week, would contribute to enrooting the concept of Jordan as a “state of law and institutions”, and achieving justice in the community in a way that increases confidence between citizens and state institutions. 

The King reiterated the importance for the court to enhance its relations with international counterparts, underlining the importance of exchanging expertise with similar institutions worldwide, eyeing a boost to freedom, justice and equality.

In a Facebook post later in the day, His Majesty wrote: “I take pride in Jordan’s achievements, and today I felt proud during my visit to the Constitutional Court, which symbolises one of the most important accomplishments of our reform roadmap. The court provides an institutional tool to safeguard the separation and balance of constitutional powers, and the rights and freedoms of our citizens as granted by the Constitution. I am also proud of the work accomplished by its president and members and will continue to support the court — alongside our other national institutions — to deliver the reforms that our citizens aspire for and affirm Jordan’s role as a model for the region.”

Hikmat briefed His Majesty on the court’s tasks and duties, and the cases it has examined, in addition to its achievements since its establishment by a Royal Decree in 2012.

Hikmat said that the Constitutional Court is fully aware that the purpose of its inception is to serve citizens, safeguard their rights and achieve justice and equality. 

The Constitutional Court is specialised in interpreting the Constitution, overseeing the constitutionality of laws and regulations in force and guaranteeing that the rights of all Jordanian citizens are upheld in accordance with the Constitution.

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and King’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury attended the meeting.