Constitutional Law
Jordanian Constitutional Court Law (Law No. 15 of 2012) — Provisions in Force up to 2026
The law establishes the Jordanian Constitutional Court and sets out its core powers: judicial review of laws and regulations and constitutional interpretation, together with rules on composition, referral procedures and the effects of judgments. It also regulates membership criteria, procedural and administrative limitations, the powers of the court’s General Assembly and the role of the Secretary‑General.
Courts and procedure
Constitutional Law
Updated: 24 March 2026
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The law establishes the Jordanian Constitutional Court and sets out its core powers: judicial review of laws and regulations and constitutional interpretation, together with rules on composition, referral procedures and the effects of judgments. It also regulates membership criteria, procedural and administrative limitations, the powers of the court’s General Assembly and the role of the Secretary‑General.
Key points
- Establishment and Competences
- Composition, Membership Criteria and Status of Members
- Paths of Challenge, Referral Procedures and Time Limits
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Establishment and Competences
The law establishes an independent Constitutional Court with legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy. Its principal functions are judicial review of laws and regulations in force and constitutional interpretation. Practically, the Court may decide on challenges brought directly by the bodies specified in the law or on referrals arising from objections raised in ordinary courts; the Cabinet or either chamber of Parliament may also request interpretation of constitutional provisions.
Composition, Membership Criteria and Status of Members
The Court is composed of a President and members appointed by royal decree for a single six‑year term, with an initial nine‑member composition and staggered subsequent appointments. Candidates must be Jordanian, at least fifty years old, and drawn from specified professional categories (senior judges, law professors of professorial rank, or seasoned lawyers with at least fifteen years’ practice), and one member must meet the qualifications applicable to the Senate. Members must devote themselves full‑time, are barred from other employment or commercial posts during tenure, must disclose assets and take the prescribed oath.
Paths of Challenge, Referral Procedures and Time Limits
Challenges may be brought directly to the Court by the constitutionally designated bodies (Senate, House of Representatives, Cabinet). In addition, parties in pending proceedings before ordinary courts may plead unconstitutionality of an applicable provision; if the trial court finds the plea serious it stays proceedings and refers the matter to the Court of Cassation for a decision on referral, with subsequent transmission to the Constitutional Court under the statutory procedures. The law sets procedural time limits: the Constitutional Court should decide within 120 days of receipt; parties have limited windows (generally 15 or 30 days) to submit memos and replies, and the designated public bodies may file responses within ten days of notification.
Effects of Judgments and Court Administration
The Court’s rulings are final and binding on all authorities and take effect immediately unless a different effective date is fixed. A finding of unconstitutionality affecting penal provisions suspends enforcement of resulting convictions and ends their penal effects; the Court may also set different effective dates for different provisions. Administratively, the Court has an independent budget subject to audit by the State Audit Bureau; the General Assembly handles internal governance (instructions, budget approval, contract authorization) while a Secretary‑General manages the executive and administrative apparatus.
Legal notice
Notice: This is a general educational summary based on the published source text (the original source is linked on the page). It does not replace the operative statutory text or the advice of a licensed lawyer. Verify the current consolidated law, implementing regulations, effective dates and any subsequent amendments in official sources before taking any legal action.
Frequently asked questions
Establishment and Competences?
The law establishes an independent Constitutional Court with legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy. Its principal functions are judicial review of laws and regulations in force and constitutional interpretation. Practically, the Court may decide on challenges brought directly by the bodies specified in the law or on referrals arising from objections raised in ordinary courts; the Cabinet or either chamber of Parliament may also request interpretation of constitutional provisions.
Composition, Membership Criteria and Status of Members?
The Court is composed of a President and members appointed by royal decree for a single six‑year term, with an initial nine‑member composition and staggered subsequent appointments. Candidates must be Jordanian, at least fifty years old, and drawn from specified professional categories (senior judges, law professors of professorial rank, or seasoned lawyers with at least fifteen years’ practice), and one member must meet the qualifications applicable to the Senate. Members must devote themselves full‑time, are barred from other employment or commercial posts during tenure, must disclose assets and take the prescribed oath.
Paths of Challenge, Referral Procedures and Time Limits?
Challenges may be brought directly to the Court by the constitutionally designated bodies (Senate, House of Representatives, Cabinet). In addition, parties in pending proceedings before ordinary courts may plead unconstitutionality of an applicable provision; if the trial court finds the plea serious it stays proceedings and refers the matter to the Court of Cassation for a decision on referral, with subsequent transmission to the Constitutional Court under the statutory procedures. The law sets procedural time limits: the Constitutional Court should decide within 120 days of receipt; parties have limited windows (generally 15 or 30 days) to submit memos and replies, and the designated public bodies may file responses within ten days of notification.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.
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