Jordan · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Jordan, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The 1952 Constitution
- As amended; Article 128 limits restriction of rights by law.
- Laws of the National Assembly
- Require royal ratification and publication in the Official Gazette.
- Regulations
- Issued by the Council of Ministers with royal approval; subordinate to statute.
- The Civil Code 1976
- Egyptian and Mecelle-influenced codification of private law.
- Sharia
- Applied by sharia courts to Muslims' personal status; the Mecelle informs civil interpretation.
The legislative process
Bills go to the House of Representatives first, then the Senate, with disagreements resolved in joint session by a two-thirds majority. The King ratifies, or may return a bill with reasons within six months, which the Assembly may override by two-thirds of each chamber. Provisional laws may be issued when the Assembly is not sitting, but the 2011 amendments narrowed this to urgent matters and require prompt submission to the Assembly.
Found something out of date on Jordan · Legislation?
Corrections are reviewed against the primary source before anything changes.