Hosam Hawamdeh
12-14-2009, 04:03 PM
CHAPTER ONE The State and System of Government
Article 1 The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an independent sovereign Arab State. It is indivisible and inalienable and no part of it may be ceded. The people of Jordan form a part of the Arab Nation, and its system of government is parliamentary with a hereditary monarchy.
Article 2 Islam is the religion of the State and Arabic is its official language.
Article 3 The city of Amman is the capital of the Kingdom, but it may be transferred to another place by a special law.
Article 4 The Jordanian flag shall be of the following form and dimensions: “The length of the flag shall be twice its width. It shall be divided horizontally into three parallel and equal stripes, the uppermost of which shall be black, the center, white, and the lowest, green. At the end of the flag-staff the flag shall have a red triangle, the base of which shall be equal to its width. In the triangle there shall be a white seven- pointed star of such a size that it may be one-fourteenth part of its length. The star shall be so placed that its centre shall be at the
intersection of the lines bisecting the angles of the triangle, and the axis running through one of its points shall be parallel to the base of the triangle.”
CHAPTER TWO Rights and Duties of Jordanians
Article 5 Jordanian Nationality shall be defined by law.
Article 6 (i) Jordanians shall be equal before the law. There shall be no discrimination between them as regards to their rights and duties on grounds of race, language or religion. (ii) The Government shall ensure work and education within the limits of its possibilities, and it shall ensure a state of tranquillity and equal opportunities to all Jordanians.
Article 7 Personal freedom shall be guaranteed.
Article 8 No person may be detained or imprisoned except in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Article 9 (i) No Jordanian may be deported from the territory of the Kingdom. (ii) No Jordanian may be prevented from residing at any place, or be compelled to reside in any specified place, except in the circumstances prescribed by law.
Article 10 Dwelling houses shall be inviolable and shall not be entered except in the circumstances and in the manner prescribed by law.
Article 11 No property of any person may be expropriated except for purposes of public utility and in consideration of a just compensation, as may be prescribed by law.
Article 12 No loans may be forcibly imposed and no property, movable or immovable, may be confiscated except in accordance with the law.
Article 13 Compulsory labour may not be imposed on any person, but any person may be required to do any work or to render any service in circumstances prescribed by law, as stated hereunder: (i) In a state of necessity, such as a state of war, the occurrence of a public danger, or fire, flood, famine, earthquake, serious epidemic among human beings or animals or animal
diseases, insects or pests or any other similar events, or in any other circumstances which might endanger the safety of the population, in whole or in part. (ii) As a result of the conviction of the person concerned by a court of law, provided that the work is done and the service rendered under the supervision of an official authority and provided further that no convicted person shall be hired to, or be placed at the disposal of, any persons, companies, societies or public bodies.
Article 14 The State shall safeguard the free exercise of all forms of worship and religious rites in accordance with the customs observed in the Kingdom, unless such is inconsistent with public order or morality.
Article 15 (i) The State shall guarantee freedom of opinion. Every Jordanian shall be free to express his opinion by speech, in writing, or by means of photographic representation and other forms of expression, provided that such does not violate the law. (ii) Freedom of the press and publications shall be ensured within the limits of the law. (iii) Newspapers shall not be suspended from publication nor shall their permits be revoked except in accordance with the provisions of the law. (iv) In the event of the declaration of martial law or a state of emergency, a limited censorship on newspapers, publications, books and broadcasts in matters affecting public safety and national defence may be imposed by law. (v) Control of the resources of newspaper shall be regulated by law.
Article 16 (i) Jordanians shall have the right to hold meetings within the limits of the law. (ii) Jordanians are entitled to establish societies and political parties provided that the objects of such societies and parties are lawful, their methods peaceful, and their by-laws not contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. (iii) The establishment of societies and political parties and the control of their resources shall be regulated by law.
Article 17 Jordanians are entitled to address the public authorities on any personal matters affecting them, or on any matter relative to public affairs, in such a manner and under such conditions as may be prescribed by law.
Article 18 All postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications shall be treated as secret and as such shall not be subject to censorship or suspension except in circumstances prescribed by law.
Article 19 Congregations shall have the right to establish and maintain their own schools for the education of their own members provided that they comply with the general provisions of the law and be subject to the control of Government in matters relating to their curricula and orientation.
Article 20 Elementary education shall be compulsory for Jordanians and free of charge in Government schools.
Article 21 (i) Political refugees shall not be extradited on account of their political beliefs or for their defence of liberty. (ii) Extradition of ordinary criminals shall be regulated by international agreements and laws.
Article 22 (i) Every Jordanian shall be entitled to be appointed to public offices under such conditions as are prescribed by law or regulations. (ii) Appointment to any government office or to any establishment attached to the Government, or to any municipal office, whether such appointment is permanent or temporary, shall be made on the basis of merit and qualifications.
Article 23 (i) Work is the right of every citizen, and the State shall provide opportunities for work to all citizens by directing the national economy and raising its standards. (ii) The State shall protect labour and enact legislation therefore based on the following principles: Every worker shall receive wages commensurate with the quantity and quality of his work. The number of hours of work per week shall be defined. Workers shall be given weekly and annual days of paid rest. Special compensation shall be given to workers supporting families and on dismissal, illness, old age and emergencies arising out of the nature of their work. Special conditions shall be made for the employment of women and juveniles. (e) Factories and workshops shall be subject to health safeguards. (f) Free trade unions may be formed within the limits of the law.
CHAPTER THREE Powers: General Provisions
Article 24 (i) The Nation is the source of all powers. (ii) The Nation shall exercise its powers in the manner prescribed by the present Constitution.
Article 25 The Legislative Power shall be vested in the National Assembly and the King. The National Assembly shall consist of a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.
Article 26 The Executive Power shall be vested in the King, who shall exercise his powers through his Ministers in accordance with the provisions of the present Constitution.
Article 27 The Judicial Power shall be exercised by the courts of law in their varying types and degrees. All judgements shall be given in accordance with the law and pronounced in the name of the King.
CHAPTER FOUR Part I The King and His Prerogatives
Article 28 The Throne of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is hereditary to the dynasty of King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein in a direct line through his male heirs as provided hereinafter: (a) * The Royal title shall pass from the holder of the Throne to his eldest son, and to the eldest son of that son and in linear succession by a similar process thereafter. Should the eldest son die before the Throne devolves upon him, his eldest son shall inherit the Throne, despite the existence of brothers to the deceased son. The King may, however, select one of his brothers as heir apparent. In this event, title to the Throne shall pass to him from the holder of the Throne. * As amended in the Official Gazette No. 1831 of 1/4/1965 (b) Should the person entitled to the Throne die without a male heir, the Throne shall pass to his eldest brother. In the event that the holder of the Throne has no brothers, the Throne shall pass to the eldest son of his eldest brother. Should his eldest brother have no son, the Throne shall pass to the eldest son of his other brothers according to their seniority in age. (c) In the absence of any brothers or nephews, the Throne shall pass to the uncles and their descendants, according to the order prescribed in paragraph (b) above. (d) Should the last King die without any heir in the manner prescribed above, the Throne shall devolve upon the person whom the National Assembly shall select from amongst the descendants of the founder of the Arab Revolt, the late King Hussein Ibn Ali. (e) No person shall ascend the Throne unless he is a Moslem, mentally sound and born by a
legitimate wife and of Moslem parents. (f) No person shall ascend the Throne who has been excluded from succession by a Royal Decree on the ground of unsuitability. Such exclusion shall not of itself include the descendants of such person. The Royal Decree of exclusion shall be countersigned by the Prime Minister and by four Ministers, at least two of whom shall be the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Justice. (g) The King attains his majority upon the completion of his eighteenth year according to the lunar calendar. If the Throne devolves upon a person who is below this age, the powers of the King shall be exercised by a Regent or Council of Regency, who shall have been appointed by a Royal Decree by the reigning King. If the King dies without making such nomination, the Council of Ministers shall appoint the Regent or Council of Regency. (h) Should the King become unable to exercise his powers on account of illness, his powers shall be exercised by a Viceregent or Council of Viceregents. The Viceregent or Council of Viceregents shall be appointed by Royal Decree. Should the King be unable to make such appointment, such shall be made by the Council of Ministers. (i) Should the King wish to leave the country, he shall, before his departure and by a Royal Decree, appoint a Viceregent or a Council of Viceregents to exercise his powers during his absence. The Viceregent or Council of Viceregents shall observe any conditions which may be prescribed in the Royal Decree. If the absence of the King is extended to more than four months and the National Assembly is not in session, the Assembly shall be summoned immediately to consider the matter. (j) Before the Regent or Viceregent or any member of the Council of Regency or of the council of Viceregents assumes his office he shall take an oath, as prescribed in Article 29 hereof, before the Council of Ministers. (k)In the event of the death of the Regent or Viceregent or member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Viceregents, or should he become incapable of performing his duties, the Council of Ministers shall appoint a suitable person to replace him. (l) A Regent or Viceregent or member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Viceregents shall not be less than thirty years according to the lunar calendar. However, any male relative of the King who has completed his eighteenth year of age according to the lunar calendar may be appointed to any such office. (m) In the event of the King being incapacitated by any mental illness, the Council of Ministers, on confirmation of his illness, shall immediately convene the National Assembly. Should the illness be definitely confirmed, the National Assembly shall by resolution depose the King, whereupon title to the Throne shall devolve upon the person entitled thereto after him according to the provisions of this Constitution. If the Chamber of Deputies stands dissolved at the time or if its term had expired and no new Chamber had been elected, the former Chamber of Deputies shall be convened for the purpose.
Article 29 The King shall upon his succession to the Throne take an oath before the National Assembly, which shall be convened under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Senate, to respect and observe the Constitution and be loyal to the Nation.
Article 30 The King is the Head of the State and is immune from any liability and responsibility.
Article 31 The King ratifies the laws and promulgates them. He shall direct the enactment of such regulations as may be necessary for their implementation, provided that such regulations are not inconsistent with the provisions thereof.
Article 32 The King is the Supreme Commander of the Land, Naval and Air Forces.
Article 33 (i) ** The King declares war, concludes peace and ratifies treaties and agreements. (ii) Treaties and agreements which involve financial commitments to the Treasury or affect the public or private rights of Jordanians shall not be valid unless approved by the National Assembly. In no circumstances shall any secret terms contained in any treaty or agreement be contrary to their overt terms. * As amended in the Official Gazette No. 1380 dated 4/5/1958. ** As amended in the Official Gazette No. 1396 dated 1/9/1958.
Article 34 (i) The King issues orders for the holding of elections to the Chamber of Deputies in accordance with the provisions of the law. (ii) The King convenes the National Assembly, inaugurates, adjourns, and prorogues it in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. (iii) The King may dissolve the Chamber of Deputies. (iv) * The King may dissolve the Senate or relieve any Senator of his membership. * As amended in the Official Gazette No. 2523 dated 10/11/1974.
Article 35 The King appoints the Prime Minister and may dismiss him or accept his resignation. He appoints the Ministers; he also dismisses them or accepts their resignation, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Article 1 The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an independent sovereign Arab State. It is indivisible and inalienable and no part of it may be ceded. The people of Jordan form a part of the Arab Nation, and its system of government is parliamentary with a hereditary monarchy.
Article 2 Islam is the religion of the State and Arabic is its official language.
Article 3 The city of Amman is the capital of the Kingdom, but it may be transferred to another place by a special law.
Article 4 The Jordanian flag shall be of the following form and dimensions: “The length of the flag shall be twice its width. It shall be divided horizontally into three parallel and equal stripes, the uppermost of which shall be black, the center, white, and the lowest, green. At the end of the flag-staff the flag shall have a red triangle, the base of which shall be equal to its width. In the triangle there shall be a white seven- pointed star of such a size that it may be one-fourteenth part of its length. The star shall be so placed that its centre shall be at the
intersection of the lines bisecting the angles of the triangle, and the axis running through one of its points shall be parallel to the base of the triangle.”
CHAPTER TWO Rights and Duties of Jordanians
Article 5 Jordanian Nationality shall be defined by law.
Article 6 (i) Jordanians shall be equal before the law. There shall be no discrimination between them as regards to their rights and duties on grounds of race, language or religion. (ii) The Government shall ensure work and education within the limits of its possibilities, and it shall ensure a state of tranquillity and equal opportunities to all Jordanians.
Article 7 Personal freedom shall be guaranteed.
Article 8 No person may be detained or imprisoned except in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Article 9 (i) No Jordanian may be deported from the territory of the Kingdom. (ii) No Jordanian may be prevented from residing at any place, or be compelled to reside in any specified place, except in the circumstances prescribed by law.
Article 10 Dwelling houses shall be inviolable and shall not be entered except in the circumstances and in the manner prescribed by law.
Article 11 No property of any person may be expropriated except for purposes of public utility and in consideration of a just compensation, as may be prescribed by law.
Article 12 No loans may be forcibly imposed and no property, movable or immovable, may be confiscated except in accordance with the law.
Article 13 Compulsory labour may not be imposed on any person, but any person may be required to do any work or to render any service in circumstances prescribed by law, as stated hereunder: (i) In a state of necessity, such as a state of war, the occurrence of a public danger, or fire, flood, famine, earthquake, serious epidemic among human beings or animals or animal
diseases, insects or pests or any other similar events, or in any other circumstances which might endanger the safety of the population, in whole or in part. (ii) As a result of the conviction of the person concerned by a court of law, provided that the work is done and the service rendered under the supervision of an official authority and provided further that no convicted person shall be hired to, or be placed at the disposal of, any persons, companies, societies or public bodies.
Article 14 The State shall safeguard the free exercise of all forms of worship and religious rites in accordance with the customs observed in the Kingdom, unless such is inconsistent with public order or morality.
Article 15 (i) The State shall guarantee freedom of opinion. Every Jordanian shall be free to express his opinion by speech, in writing, or by means of photographic representation and other forms of expression, provided that such does not violate the law. (ii) Freedom of the press and publications shall be ensured within the limits of the law. (iii) Newspapers shall not be suspended from publication nor shall their permits be revoked except in accordance with the provisions of the law. (iv) In the event of the declaration of martial law or a state of emergency, a limited censorship on newspapers, publications, books and broadcasts in matters affecting public safety and national defence may be imposed by law. (v) Control of the resources of newspaper shall be regulated by law.
Article 16 (i) Jordanians shall have the right to hold meetings within the limits of the law. (ii) Jordanians are entitled to establish societies and political parties provided that the objects of such societies and parties are lawful, their methods peaceful, and their by-laws not contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. (iii) The establishment of societies and political parties and the control of their resources shall be regulated by law.
Article 17 Jordanians are entitled to address the public authorities on any personal matters affecting them, or on any matter relative to public affairs, in such a manner and under such conditions as may be prescribed by law.
Article 18 All postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications shall be treated as secret and as such shall not be subject to censorship or suspension except in circumstances prescribed by law.
Article 19 Congregations shall have the right to establish and maintain their own schools for the education of their own members provided that they comply with the general provisions of the law and be subject to the control of Government in matters relating to their curricula and orientation.
Article 20 Elementary education shall be compulsory for Jordanians and free of charge in Government schools.
Article 21 (i) Political refugees shall not be extradited on account of their political beliefs or for their defence of liberty. (ii) Extradition of ordinary criminals shall be regulated by international agreements and laws.
Article 22 (i) Every Jordanian shall be entitled to be appointed to public offices under such conditions as are prescribed by law or regulations. (ii) Appointment to any government office or to any establishment attached to the Government, or to any municipal office, whether such appointment is permanent or temporary, shall be made on the basis of merit and qualifications.
Article 23 (i) Work is the right of every citizen, and the State shall provide opportunities for work to all citizens by directing the national economy and raising its standards. (ii) The State shall protect labour and enact legislation therefore based on the following principles: Every worker shall receive wages commensurate with the quantity and quality of his work. The number of hours of work per week shall be defined. Workers shall be given weekly and annual days of paid rest. Special compensation shall be given to workers supporting families and on dismissal, illness, old age and emergencies arising out of the nature of their work. Special conditions shall be made for the employment of women and juveniles. (e) Factories and workshops shall be subject to health safeguards. (f) Free trade unions may be formed within the limits of the law.
CHAPTER THREE Powers: General Provisions
Article 24 (i) The Nation is the source of all powers. (ii) The Nation shall exercise its powers in the manner prescribed by the present Constitution.
Article 25 The Legislative Power shall be vested in the National Assembly and the King. The National Assembly shall consist of a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.
Article 26 The Executive Power shall be vested in the King, who shall exercise his powers through his Ministers in accordance with the provisions of the present Constitution.
Article 27 The Judicial Power shall be exercised by the courts of law in their varying types and degrees. All judgements shall be given in accordance with the law and pronounced in the name of the King.
CHAPTER FOUR Part I The King and His Prerogatives
Article 28 The Throne of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is hereditary to the dynasty of King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein in a direct line through his male heirs as provided hereinafter: (a) * The Royal title shall pass from the holder of the Throne to his eldest son, and to the eldest son of that son and in linear succession by a similar process thereafter. Should the eldest son die before the Throne devolves upon him, his eldest son shall inherit the Throne, despite the existence of brothers to the deceased son. The King may, however, select one of his brothers as heir apparent. In this event, title to the Throne shall pass to him from the holder of the Throne. * As amended in the Official Gazette No. 1831 of 1/4/1965 (b) Should the person entitled to the Throne die without a male heir, the Throne shall pass to his eldest brother. In the event that the holder of the Throne has no brothers, the Throne shall pass to the eldest son of his eldest brother. Should his eldest brother have no son, the Throne shall pass to the eldest son of his other brothers according to their seniority in age. (c) In the absence of any brothers or nephews, the Throne shall pass to the uncles and their descendants, according to the order prescribed in paragraph (b) above. (d) Should the last King die without any heir in the manner prescribed above, the Throne shall devolve upon the person whom the National Assembly shall select from amongst the descendants of the founder of the Arab Revolt, the late King Hussein Ibn Ali. (e) No person shall ascend the Throne unless he is a Moslem, mentally sound and born by a
legitimate wife and of Moslem parents. (f) No person shall ascend the Throne who has been excluded from succession by a Royal Decree on the ground of unsuitability. Such exclusion shall not of itself include the descendants of such person. The Royal Decree of exclusion shall be countersigned by the Prime Minister and by four Ministers, at least two of whom shall be the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Justice. (g) The King attains his majority upon the completion of his eighteenth year according to the lunar calendar. If the Throne devolves upon a person who is below this age, the powers of the King shall be exercised by a Regent or Council of Regency, who shall have been appointed by a Royal Decree by the reigning King. If the King dies without making such nomination, the Council of Ministers shall appoint the Regent or Council of Regency. (h) Should the King become unable to exercise his powers on account of illness, his powers shall be exercised by a Viceregent or Council of Viceregents. The Viceregent or Council of Viceregents shall be appointed by Royal Decree. Should the King be unable to make such appointment, such shall be made by the Council of Ministers. (i) Should the King wish to leave the country, he shall, before his departure and by a Royal Decree, appoint a Viceregent or a Council of Viceregents to exercise his powers during his absence. The Viceregent or Council of Viceregents shall observe any conditions which may be prescribed in the Royal Decree. If the absence of the King is extended to more than four months and the National Assembly is not in session, the Assembly shall be summoned immediately to consider the matter. (j) Before the Regent or Viceregent or any member of the Council of Regency or of the council of Viceregents assumes his office he shall take an oath, as prescribed in Article 29 hereof, before the Council of Ministers. (k)In the event of the death of the Regent or Viceregent or member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Viceregents, or should he become incapable of performing his duties, the Council of Ministers shall appoint a suitable person to replace him. (l) A Regent or Viceregent or member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Viceregents shall not be less than thirty years according to the lunar calendar. However, any male relative of the King who has completed his eighteenth year of age according to the lunar calendar may be appointed to any such office. (m) In the event of the King being incapacitated by any mental illness, the Council of Ministers, on confirmation of his illness, shall immediately convene the National Assembly. Should the illness be definitely confirmed, the National Assembly shall by resolution depose the King, whereupon title to the Throne shall devolve upon the person entitled thereto after him according to the provisions of this Constitution. If the Chamber of Deputies stands dissolved at the time or if its term had expired and no new Chamber had been elected, the former Chamber of Deputies shall be convened for the purpose.
Article 29 The King shall upon his succession to the Throne take an oath before the National Assembly, which shall be convened under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Senate, to respect and observe the Constitution and be loyal to the Nation.
Article 30 The King is the Head of the State and is immune from any liability and responsibility.
Article 31 The King ratifies the laws and promulgates them. He shall direct the enactment of such regulations as may be necessary for their implementation, provided that such regulations are not inconsistent with the provisions thereof.
Article 32 The King is the Supreme Commander of the Land, Naval and Air Forces.
Article 33 (i) ** The King declares war, concludes peace and ratifies treaties and agreements. (ii) Treaties and agreements which involve financial commitments to the Treasury or affect the public or private rights of Jordanians shall not be valid unless approved by the National Assembly. In no circumstances shall any secret terms contained in any treaty or agreement be contrary to their overt terms. * As amended in the Official Gazette No. 1380 dated 4/5/1958. ** As amended in the Official Gazette No. 1396 dated 1/9/1958.
Article 34 (i) The King issues orders for the holding of elections to the Chamber of Deputies in accordance with the provisions of the law. (ii) The King convenes the National Assembly, inaugurates, adjourns, and prorogues it in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. (iii) The King may dissolve the Chamber of Deputies. (iv) * The King may dissolve the Senate or relieve any Senator of his membership. * As amended in the Official Gazette No. 2523 dated 10/11/1974.
Article 35 The King appoints the Prime Minister and may dismiss him or accept his resignation. He appoints the Ministers; he also dismisses them or accepts their resignation, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.