Supreme Court Bahrain
Bahrain's judiciary comprises three primary court systems: Civil Courts, Sharia Courts, and Criminal Courts. The apex judicial body overseeing these courts is the Court of Cassation, which serves as the final court of appeal for civil, commercial, and criminal matters.
Key Features of Bahrain's Judicial System:
Court of Cassation: Established in 1989, this court functions as the highest appellate authority. Its judges, including the Chief Justice, are appointed by royal decree. As of the latest available information, the Chief Justice is Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa, a member of the ruling Al Khalifa family.
Constitutional Court: Responsible for interpreting the constitution, this court ensures that laws and regulations align with Bahrain's constitutional framework. Members are appointed by the Supreme Judicial Council, chaired by the King.
High Sharia Court of Appeal: This court handles appeals in personal status cases among Muslims, applying Sharia law. It consists of a president and at least one judge.
Recent Legal Developments:
- National Safety Court: Established in March 2011, this special military court was designed to try cases related to national security, particularly following the 2011 protests. It faced significant criticism for trying civilians in a military tribunal, raising concerns about transparency and due process. In June 2011, King Hamad announced the transfer of all trials from this court to civilian courts, though exceptions remained.
Understanding the structure and functions of Bahrain's judiciary provides insight into the legal processes and the interplay between different court systems within the Kingdom.
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