In brief
Governs the Public Prosecution (formerly the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution): its formation, its powers to investigate crimes, prosecute before the courts and oversee prisons, and its members' affairs and discipline.
Summary of the law
Key points
- The Public Prosecution investigates crimes and prosecutes before the criminal courts; arrest, detention and investigation procedure and time limits are in the Law of Criminal Procedure.
- The Bureau of Experts still lists the law under its old name; the amendments renaming it the Public Prosecution appear under its articles.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Powers of the prosecution
- Investigation and prosecution
- Oversight of prisons and detention
- Prosecutors
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/56 · 24/10/1409H
- Amendments: Royal Decree M/4 · 5/1/1433H. Amendment to some articles (shown on the law's page at the Bureau of Experts)
- Amendments: Royal Decree M/31 · 13/4/1436H. Amendment to some articles (shown on the law's page at the Bureau of Experts)
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .