Criminal Law and Judicial Procedure
State Security Court Law (1959) — Amended Text in Force through 2026
This summary outlines the scope of the State Security Court under the 1959 law as amended and in force through 2026, covering offences such as treason, espionage, terrorism, narcotics and currency counterfeiting. The text sets out court composition, prosecutorial powers, detention limits, trial procedures and appeal routes to the Court of Cassation.
Updated: 24 March 2026
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Jurisdictional Scope and Covered Offences
The amended law assigns the State Security Court competence over specified offences set out in other statutes: treason, espionage under the State Secrets law, terrorism (under Penal Code and anti‑terror/AML laws), narcotics offences, and currency counterfeiting. Jurisdiction extends to conspirators, aiders, encouragers and attempts related to those offences.
Court Composition and Judicial Appointments
The Prime Minister may establish a State Security Court when public interest requires, constituted of civil and/or military judges. Military judges are appointed by the Prime Minister upon the Chief of Joint Staff's recommendation, while civil judges are named by the Judicial Council; the formation order is published in the Official Gazette.
Public Prosecutor, Investigative Powers and Detention Limits
The Director of Military Judiciary or an assistant is appointed as public prosecutor, and military judge‑assistants may be assigned. The prosecutor and law enforcement act under the Code of Criminal Procedure: suspects may be held by police up to seven days before referral, and the prosecutor may order initial detention up to 15 days renewable, with renewals not to exceed a total of two months when required for investigation.
Trial Procedure and Practical Safeguards
Trials are public unless closed in the public interest, and the accused may be represented by counsel. Courts must begin proceedings within ten days of filing, hold consecutive sessions, and adjournments beyond 48 hours are permitted only for justified necessity. The court applies the legal provisions and penalties specified for the covered offences.
Appeals, Effects of Judgments and Finality
State Security Court judgments are rendered by unanimity or majority. Felony judgments are appealable to the Court of Cassation within 30 days and misdemeanors within 15 days; death sentences or penalties of ten years or more are subject to automatic cassation review. The Cassation Court sits with at least five judges, may act as a court of merits to confirm, reverse, acquit or order retrial, and its decisions are final.
Legal notice
Notice: This summary is for general educational purposes and is based on the text published at the referenced source page. It does not replace consulting the official in‑force text or verifying amendments and effective dates, nor does it substitute for advice from a licensed Jordanian lawyer for a detailed legal opinion tailored to actual circumstances.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.