Jordan Country Profile

Judicial System

Individual Corruption

The judicial system is divided into civil, criminal, commercial, security and religious courts. The judiciary at the level of civilian courts is generally not corrupt and most trials are open and procedurally sound. In the State Security Court (SSC), however, proceedings are often closed to the public.

Corruption in the judiciary normally involves judges' rulings being influenced by family or tribal affiliations.

Business Corruption

Observations of lack of transparency with regards to the settlement of disputes have been made. Yet, Jordanian law provides that foreign investors can seek third party arbitration or an internationally recognised settlement of disputes. Furthermore, the US Commercial Service 2007 reports a case of a foreign company investing in a joint venture with a Jordanian state-owned company, being dissatisfied with the management of the contract which was given to a rival without prior consultation. However, the company was able to resolve the dispute to its satisfaction with support from its embassy.

Political Corruption

At the political level, corruption in the judiciary is common. According to several sources such as the Bertelsmann Foundation 2008 and Global Integrity 2008, the judiciary is subject to political intervention, control and pressure, has managerial deficits, lacks sufficient professionalism and has problems implementing decisions.

Appointments in the judiciary reflect interests of particulars and not professional merit or judicial philosophy. In line with this, Freedom House 2007 indicates that the judiciary is also subject to executive influence by the Ministry of Justice and the Higher Judiciary Council (whose members are appointed by the King) because they appoint and transfer judges.

Frequency

The World Bank & IFC: Doing Business 2009:
- It takes 39 procedures, 689 days and 31% of the claim to enforce commercial contracts in Jordan.

The World Bank & IFC: Enterprise Surveys 2006:
- 57% of companies surveyed believe the court system in Jordan is fair, impartial and uncorrupted.