AMMAN, Sept. 12 (Petra) -- Minister of Justice Bassam Talhouni emphasized that Jordan is advancing a comprehensive pathway to modernize its legislative and judicial infrastructure, encompassing laws, digital services, facilities, and human capital to keep pace with national development goals and rapid technological shifts.

In an interview marking World Law Day, Talhouni stated that law is a dynamic framework that organizes societal life, protects rights and freedoms, and secures the environment necessary for stability and investment. He explained that the essence of legal modernization lies in shifting from a reactive tool for problem-solving after a crisis occurs to a proactive instrument capable of anticipating transformations.

Talhouni stressed that citizens remain the focal point of the legislative and reform process, noting that a law's quality is measured by its capacity to achieve its intended objective and reflect positively on people's lives. The ministry carefully evaluates proposed legislation against specific criteria, including responsiveness, constitutional harmony, and socio-economic impact.

Rapid advancements require rethinking how laws are drafted to anticipate future transformations in business, commerce, and social interactions. Talhouni asserted that forward-looking legislation requires early reading of emerging shifts, stakeholder engagement, and rigorous legislative impact assessments throughout a law's lifecycle.

Turning to digital transformation, Talhouni affirmed that technology has become central to modernizing justice. The ministry is leveraging tech to re-engineer workflows, simplify services, and minimize time and financial costs. Milestones in this digital pivot include expanding e-services, remote court trials, electronic archiving, and digital signatures.

Regarding artificial intelligence, Talhouni noted that emerging technologies present complex questions regarding liability, privacy, data protection, and digital rights, requiring a balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding the rule of law.

On the economic front, Talhouni stressed that stable, transparent laws and swift dispute resolution mechanisms serve as cornerstone determinants of national competitiveness. He pointed to the development of alternative dispute resolution frameworks, highlighting that the draft Arbitration Law for 2026 and the establishment of the Jordanian International Arbitration Center represent decisive steps toward providing flexible tools to safeguard business and investment.

Addressing access to justice, Talhouni underscored that financial capacity should never act as a barrier to litigation, affirming the importance of legal aid and streamlined digital outreach to bring justice closer to everyday citizens.

Reaffirming the principle of the rule of law, Talhouni concluded that public trust is forged through fair, transparent, and effective application, ensuring that Jordanian law remains clear, fair, and adaptable to future change.

//Petra// AA