RIYADH — More than 700 Saudi judges have completed the first term of the Higher Diploma in Criminal Law, a program launched by the Ministry of Justice to advance the Kingdom’s judicial capabilities.

The diploma, which was inaugurated by Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani, is designed to enhance the qualifications of judges working in criminal courts, courts of first instance, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court. Each participant completed 165 hours of specialized instruction.

Held at the Judicial Training Center, the program aims to improve the accuracy of judicial decisions in criminal cases and ensure adherence to legal procedures and statutory provisions. It forms part of broader efforts to develop judicial performance and raise the quality of legal reasoning and verdicts in criminal matters.

The curriculum includes in-depth study of core criminal law principles, procedural mechanisms, proper crime classification, and the application of penalties under the Saudi legal framework.

The first phase focused on judges handling criminal cases. The second phase will expand to include judges across various other specialties, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to comprehensive judicial development. — SG