The quality of legislation is linked to the principle of legal security, which is based on the clarity and stability of the rules, so that individuals and institutions can arrange their situations in light of stable legislative texts. Frequent amendments to laws or conflicting provisions thereof may weaken confidence in the legislative system and affect the stability of legal positions. These considerations are also related to the principle of the rule of law, which is based on the submission of the state, its rulers and subjects, to the provisions of the current laws.
In Jordan, the principle of the rule of law has received continuous royal attention, as reflected in the sixth discussion paper by His Majesty King Abdullah II in 2016, titled "The Rule of Law is the Foundation of a Civil State," in which he emphasized the necessity of everyone, individuals, institutions, and authorities, being subject to the rule of law, and the necessity of applying it to everyone without exception or discrimination.
The judiciary stands at the forefront of the institutional guarantees of the rule of law in Jordan, as this principle cannot be achieved without an independent judicial authority, which has always been a matter of royal concern, considering the judiciary as the basic guarantee for the protection of rights and freedoms, the arbiter in disputes between individuals, between them and the administration, and the guarantor of the submission of everyone to the provisions of the law. The rule of law is not completed merely by guaranteeing the right to litigate, but it requires prompt resolution of disputes, facilitating access to justice, and the implementation and respect of judicial rulings.
The real test of the rule of law also appears in the fairness of its enforcement on everyone. Patronage and nepotism are not merely negative administrative practices, but they touch the essence of the rule of law, as they lead to unjust favoritism and undermine the citizen's trust in the justice of institutions. His Majesty King Abdullah II specifically addressed this phenomenon in his sixth discussion paper, affirming that patronage and nepotism are behaviors that destroy the developmental and progressive march of societies, and undermine the values of justice, equality, equal opportunities, and good citizenship.
At the international level, Jordan ranked 62nd out of 143 countries, and fourth among ten countries in the Middle East and North Africa in the Rule of Law Index for 2025. This ranking should be considered an indicator of what has been achieved and a motivation to continue developing legislation, the judiciary, and public administration, and to enhance transparency, accountability, and equality in the application of the law.
The importance of these efforts increases in light of the digital transformation and the expansion of the use of artificial intelligence technologies in public administration, service delivery, and decision-making. These technologies can contribute to the speed of law enforcement, improve public services, and reduce human intervention, but they should not be at the expense of the legal guarantees of individuals. The administrative decision contributed to by digital systems or artificial intelligence technologies must remain subject to the principle of legitimacy and accountability, and individuals must be given the opportunity to review and appeal it according to the provisions of the law.
In conclusion, the World Law Day is an occasion to reflect on the impact of legal rules on the lives of individuals and the performance of state institutions. The real challenge lies not in the existence of the law, but in the effectiveness of its application and its ability to achieve justice and build trust between the citizen and state institutions. Therefore, the rule of law remains a renewable path that requires continuous review of national practices and legislation to ensure the protection of rights and freedoms and to keep pace with societal developments.
* Professor of Constitutional Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Jordan
laith@lawyer.com
