RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani launched the first phase of the Higher Diploma in Criminal Law program for judges at criminal courts. Al-Samaani said the program aligns with the Kingdom’s ongoing legislative developments under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The program aims to uphold rights, justice, and transparency, and to enhance the predictability of legal decisions. The minister emphasized that the program is designed to equip judges with fundamental principles and general rules of criminal law, while also improving their legal skills. Focusing on the correct interpretation and implementation of legal provisions, the program seeks to improve the quality of criminal rulings. The Higher Diploma in Criminal Law program offers courses that provide a deep understanding of criminal law principles, clarify procedures, and help judges accurately characterize crimes. It also covers specific offenses under Saudi law, their penalties, and the application of these laws.