RIYADH — Saudi Arabia"s Minister of Justice Sheikh Dr. Walid Bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, who is also the president of the Supreme Judicial Council, has announced the full implementation of the appellate judiciary through pleading and judicial review. The three stages of the initiative cover all jurisdictions of appellate courts and provide scope for challenging the rulings and decisions at appellate courts before being referred to the Supreme Court. "The completion of the appellate judiciary represents a milestone in the history of the justice system, and reflects judicial progress in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 with the support provided by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince", Dr. Al-Samaani said in a speech during a ceremony organized for the occasion. "During the transformation from the cassation judiciary to the appellate system, we have focused on streamlining the transition and overcoming operational challenges through the great efforts and professionalism of our staff," he added. Dr. Al-Samaani said that the completion of the appellate judiciary aims to implement the principle of multiple levels of litigation, ensure judicial safeguards, and speed up decisions. “The appellate judiciary will enhance the quality of judgments, achieve swift justice and transparency, and save clients time and effort," he said, adding that it will also help consolidate judicial principles and enhance reasoning, creating legal discipline in the application of statutory texts. — SG