Direct Individual Access to the Constitutional Judiciary: A Comparative Study of Iraqi and Kuwaiti Laws

Abstract

Objectives: A few Arab constitutions have adopted direct individual access to the constitutional judiciary, most notably the Kuwaiti and Iraqi constitutions. This study aims to show how Kuwaiti and Iraqi laws regulate the requirements and procedures for individual access to the constitutional judiciary. It also aims to identify the best regulation for direct individual access to the constitutional judiciary. Methods: The study adopted the analytical and comparative method by conducting comparative analyses to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the legal texts covering direct individual access in the Kuwaiti and Iraqi constitutions, laws, and regulations. Results: Kuwaiti and Iraqi law made sure to organize individuals’ right to direct individual access by imposing certain requirements and clarifying the related procedures to prevent the constitutional judiciary from being overburdened with complaints. However, there is a need for better legal regulation for individual access to the constitutional judiciary by amending some requirements concerning the bail amount, legal representation, and procedures. Conclusions: There is incompetency in legally regulating direct individual access to the constitutional judiciary in Kuwait and Iraq. Kuwaiti and Iraqi laws should be amended to avoid impeding access to constitutional justice, which will develop the constitutional judiciary in Kuwait and Iraq to be able to carry out its duties in overseeing the constitutionality of laws and regulations.

Keywords

• Constitution, individual access, judicial oversight, constitutional judiciary, direct access.