Modern legal mechanisms are being introduced into the judicial process
The President approved the "Justice 2030" Strategy, which envisions a large-scale reform of the judicial system. The document aims to increase the independence and accessibility of justice, strengthen judicial oversight at the pre-trial stage, and create a unified judicial system.
Modern legal mechanisms are being introduced into the judicial system.
Presidential Decree No. UP-160 of August 14, 2026, "On the 'Justice-2030' Strategy: Building a People's and Fair Judicial System in the New Uzbekistan That Reliably Protects Human Rights" was adopted.
Priority areas for judicial reform:
The document approves:
To enhance the impartiality and effectiveness of judicial review, interregional courts with a total of 319 administrative staff will be established starting July 1, 2027. These courts will be empowered to review cases referred by courts of general jurisdiction and administrative courts, and their jurisdiction will cover several administrative-territorial units.
In 2027-2030, district and city courts for civil cases will be established in all regions within the existing judicial system staffing levels. This will improve citizens' access to justice, especially in remote regions.
Strengthening judicial review at the pre-trial stage of criminal proceedings.
Starting from July 1, 2027, in accordance with the international standard of "reasonable suspicion" (Prima Facie), when considering a petition for a warrant to verify the legality and justification of a person's detention, as well as the sufficiency of grounds for suspicion or charges, the investigating judge, if in doubt, has the right to request additional documents, while ensuring the confidentiality of the investigation.
Development of a unified judicial practice.
Starting from August 1, 2027, the practice of openly publishing and regularly updating, in accordance with the established procedure, decisions of the Presidium of the Supreme Court, forming a unified judicial practice (the "Precedents" register), will be introduced.
Expert councils will also be established on a voluntary basis to develop a unified judicial practice.
In addition, plans are underway to gradually establish "one-stop shop" service offices at the entrances of court buildings for citizens and businesses applying to the courts by 2030.
These offices will accept necessary information, provide assistance with procedural requests, and facilitate the use of digital court services.
Expanding the scope of the "active court participation" principle.
To ensure the prompt and fair resolution of economic disputes and to save time and expenses for businesses and investors, the "Proactive Case Management" standard will be implemented beginning January 1, 2028. This standard mandates judges to take measures to eliminate minor (formal) deficiencies identified during case proceedings.
Relieving judges of duties unrelated to justice.
From January 1, 2028, the following is envisaged:
The document was published in the National Legislation Database and entered into force on August 15, 2026.
Lola Abduazimova.