Amman: The Lower House on Monday endorsed by majority the draft law amending the Penal Code of 2025. The legislation was passed after two sessions today held under Speaker Ahmad Safadi in the attendance of Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and members of the government team.
According to Jordan News Agency, the government sought to introduce a new concept, namely restorative justice, and proceeded gradually to avoid societal shock. Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Moneim Al-Odat noted that this draft represents the fourth amendment to the Penal Code.
Minister of Justice Bassam Talhouni highlighted that the draft aims to enhance human rights and reduce the burden on those sentenced to a fine by promoting restorative justice and expanding non-custodial penalties. Talhouni emphasized that the fine serves as a punishment for legal violations.
Talhouni explained that the amended Penal Code outlines three scenarios for handling defaults on fine payments to the state treasury. Currently, a default results in one day of imprisonment for every 10 dinars owed. Under the new draft, payment can be deferred for one year, or paid in installments over two years, with a travel ban imposed until the fine is settled. In a third scenario, if properties or funds are available to cover the fine, they can be seized without imposing a travel ban.
The parliamentary Legal Committee approved the Penal Code amendment on April 30. The rationale behind the draft is to expand alternatives to custodial sentences, granting courts broader authority to enforce these alternatives and benefit convicts. It also empowers judges to collect fines according to public funds collection legislation.
The amendment promotes restorative justice for the rehabilitation and social integration of convicts, aims to curb criminal behavior, and creates conditions to suspend the enforcement of a final sentence. It grants judges the authority to postpone or allow installment payments of fines, thereby alleviating overcrowding in correctional and rehabilitation centers.