Praise be to Allah alone, and peace and blessings be upon the one after whom there is no prophet, and upon his family and companions altogether.
The Higher Institute of Judiciary is considered the first academic unit for postgraduate studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established by Royal Decree No. 4 on 12/03/1385 H, aiming to provide high-level qualifications for judges, deepening studies in jurisprudence and judiciary, enhancing capabilities in scientific research, and training personnel in the judiciary, public prosecution, and judicial facilities.
The Institute holds a prestigious position due to its focus on judiciary, overseen by a board chaired by the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, who was at that time His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al al-Sheikh, may Allah have mercy on him, and includes scholars, judges, and specialists in education.
Upon the issuance of the system of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University by Royal Decree No. 50 dated 23/08/1349 H, the Institute became one of the educational units constituting the university. Since its establishment, the Institute has been managed by esteemed scholars and continues to benefit from a constellation of senior scholars and jurists in teaching, education, and supervision of scientific theses. It has graduated judges and legal leaders of the country.
In its future vision, the Institute aims to enhance the judicial system in the Kingdom by preparing distinguished academic competencies, developing research capabilities in specialized judicial fields, and keeping pace with developments in the judiciary sector to achieve Vision 2030 for the Kingdom.
Through its extensive journey in postgraduate studies, the Higher Institute of Judiciary has enriched libraries with numerous master's and doctoral theses. Its library is rich with thousands of diverse theses in its specialized field.
The Royal Decree No. 41796 dated 1433/09/13 H approves the development plan for the Higher Institute of Judiciary, which includes:
1. Restricting the study of judicial candidates and judicial officers to the Higher Institute of Judiciary affiliated with Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. This aims to unify judiciary scientifically and professionally, facilitate supervision of judicial candidates, gather experts in one place to enhance scientific research and judicial excellence, improve performance levels, and benefit institute graduates.
2. Establishing an advisory council at the Higher Institute of Judiciary, comprising representatives from the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, the Supreme Judicial Council, the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Justice, the Diwan of Grievances, and the Public Prosecution. Its role includes coordinating with the institute and offering opinions on its programs and curricula.
3. Designing scientific programs at the institute to achieve the highest scientific and skill-based excellence for judiciary and its personnel.
4. Emphasizing the inclusion of judicial applications in the institute's curricula to enhance professional aspects for judicial candidates and officers, with active participation of working judges in designing and teaching this aspect.
5.Priority for acceptance into the institute is given to judicial candidates, who are then appointed to the judiciary upon meeting scientific and academic standards.
The institute receives great attention from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him. It also benefits greatly from the support of the Minister of Education, the University President, and all officials in the judiciary. This is a source of pride for the institute's staff, and, with God's permission, motivates them to exert even greater efforts towards achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in developing its judicial and academic system.
Dean of the Higher Institute of Judiciary
PhD. Abdullah bin Ahmed Saleh Al-Mahmadi
