Document Name: | Constitution of Jordan |
Title Orig: | Constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan |
Date Created: | 1 January 1952 |
Date Presented: | 1 January 1952 |
Date Ratified: | 1 January 1952 |
Date Effective: | 8 January 1952 |
Media Type: | Constitution |
Subject: | Law |
Purpose: | Constitution / Basic Law |
The Constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was adopted on 11 January 1952 and has been amended many times.[1] It defines the hereditary monarchic rule with a parliamentary system of representation. It stipulates the separated powers of the state (executive, legislative and judicial), the citizens’ rights and duties, financial affairs and other constitutional regulations.[2]
An Organic Law was promulgated in April 1928 for use under the British mandate. After Jordan gained full independence in May 1946, following the abolition of the British Mandate, a new constitution was formulated, published in the Official Gazette on 1 February 1947, and adopted by the Legislative Council on 28 November 1947. A few years later, the Constitution was liberalized by King Talal and ratified on 1 January 1952. It is generally regarded as liberal, although criticism may arise in regard to the great powers vested in the monarch.[2]
The Jordanian constitution has undergone a series of amendments, including in 2011 and 2016.[3] In 2021 a series of amendments was introduced, some of which led to a brawl in the parliament. These amendments were aiming to further women's rights and modernize Jordan.[4]