Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Jordan

Analysis

A recent decision issued by the Jordanian Court of Cassation, in its extended panel, has set a new precedent with regards to the execution of foreign judgments in Jordan. Prior to this judgment, it was debatable whether any rulings issued by religious courts outside of Jordan, especially ones issued by the Saudi Religious courts.

However, pursuant to a recent ruling by the Jordanian Court of Cassation, certain judgments issued by foreign religious courts may now have a greater chance of being enforced provided that certain conditions are met.

Summary of facts:

• The claimant filed a lawsuit against the defendant requesting the execution of a foreign Judgment in Jordan, obligating the latter to pay 941,904,600 Jordanian Dinars.

• The foreign Judgment was rendered by the Jeddah religious courts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Procedural History:

• The court of first instance ruled in favor of executing the foreign judgment in Jordan.

• The court of appeal ruled against the executing of the foreign judgment in Jordan.

• The court of cassation ruled in favor of the court of first instance judgment.

The court of cassation