Jordan’s principal Penal Code is Penal Code No. 16 of 1960, which must be read together with its subsequent amendments. As of 2026, the most recent amending law identified in the official sources reviewed for this guide is Law No. 12 of 2025 amending the Penal Code.
Accordingly, searches for the Jordan Penal Code 2025 or Jordan Penal Code 2026 generally refer to the Penal Code as currently in force with its applicable amendments, rather than to a completely new penal code enacted each year. This guide explains the latest amendment identified, key changes, important articles of the Jordan Penal Code, alternative sentences, and where to find the official amendment.
Quick Answer
- What is the current Jordan Penal Code? Jordan’s Penal Code defines criminal offenses, penalties, measures, and general rules of criminal liability. The principal law is Penal Code No. 16 of 1960, read together with its amendments, including Law No. 12 of 2025 discussed in this guide.
- What is the latest amendment identified in the sources reviewed? Law No. 12 of 2025 amending the Penal Code.
- Is there a separate new Jordan Penal Code for 2026? No separate 2026 Penal Code appears in the official sources reviewed for this guide. The term “Jordan Penal Code 2026” generally refers to the law as in force during 2026 with its applicable amendments.
- Where can I find the Jordan Penal Code 2025 PDF? The official text of Law No. 12 of 2025 can be accessed through the Jordanian Official Gazette or Ministry of Justice. It is an amending law rather than a consolidated version containing every article of the Penal Code.
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Jordan Penal Code
Jordanian Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 is the principal legislation governing criminal offenses, penalties, and general rules relating to criminal liability in Jordan. The law has been amended several times since its enactment.
When researching the law currently applicable to a criminal case, it is not sufficient to rely only on the original version of the Penal Code. Any amendments affecting the relevant article must also be reviewed. One of the most recent amendments identified in this guide is Law No. 12 of 2025 amending the Penal Code.
Latest Amendment to the Jordan Penal Code
Law No. 12 of 2025 amending the Penal Code was published in the Jordanian Official Gazette on June 16, 2025. It is read together with Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 and its other amendments as part of the applicable legal framework.
The 2025 amendment addressed several provisions. Among the main changes discussed in this guide are the development and reorganization of alternatives to custodial sentences, expansion of circumstances in which courts may consider those alternatives subject to statutory conditions and restrictions, and amendments involving fines and certain general provisions.
An amending law does not automatically repeal the original Penal Code and replace it with an entirely separate code. Instead, the amendment must be read together with the principal law and other applicable amendments to determine the legal provision currently in force.
- Amending law: Law No. 12 of 2025.
- Publication date stated in this guide: June 16, 2025.
- How it should be read: Together with Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 and its amendments.
- Main areas discussed: Alternatives to custodial sentences and certain provisions relating to fines and general criminal law rules.
Is the Jordan Penal Code 2025 a Completely New Penal Code?
No. Law No. 12 of 2025 does not replace Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 with an entirely new Penal Code. It is an amending law that must be read together with the principal Penal Code and other applicable amendments to determine the law currently in force.
Articles of the Jordan Penal Code
Jordanian Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 and its amendments contain provisions dealing with general criminal law rules, the scope of application of the law, types of penalties, criminal liability, individual offenses, and the penalties prescribed for those offenses.
When researching a particular article of the Jordan Penal Code, it is important to check the wording currently in force and whether the article was affected by a later amendment. The phrase “Jordan Penal Code articles” is also commonly used by people looking for the provisions of the law in one place.
Because some provisions have been amended over time, an article number alone may not always be sufficient to determine the applicable legal rule. The date of the alleged offense and the amendment in force at that time may also be relevant.
Quick Guide to Key Jordan Penal Code Articles
Important: This table is a general index of selected Penal Code provisions and is not a substitute for the full legal text. The provision currently in force, subsequent amendments, and the date of the alleged offense should be checked before relying on any particular article.
Which Jordan Penal Code Articles Are Commonly Relevant?
The relevant article depends on the nature of the criminal case. Frequently consulted provisions include those dealing with the legality of crimes and penalties, the territorial and temporal application of criminal law, classifications of penalties, recidivism, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and Article 25 bis concerning alternatives to custodial sentences.
There is no single article that applies to every criminal case. Identifying the relevant provision depends on the legal characterization of the conduct, the date of the alleged offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the amendments in force at the relevant time.
Key 2025 Amendments to the Jordan Penal Code
Law No. 12 of 2025 introduced several changes to the Jordan Penal Code. The amendments were not limited to adding one type of sentence. Areas addressed include amendments to certain provisions and definitions, matters relating to fines, and the reorganization and expansion of alternatives to custodial sentences.
- Amendments to certain provisions contained in Article 2.
- Reorganization of Article 25 bis concerning alternatives to custodial sentences.
- Expansion of circumstances in which replacing a custodial sentence with an alternative measure may be considered, subject to legal requirements.
- Rules concerning implementation and duration of alternative measures.
- Identification of certain cases and offenses excluded from alternative sentencing provisions.
The text of Law No. 12 of 2025 should be reviewed when determining how a particular amendment affects a specific Penal Code article or criminal case. Whether an amended provision applies may depend on the classification of the offense, the judgment, and the circumstances of the case.
Alternative Sentences Under the Jordan Penal Code
Alternative sentences under the Jordan Penal Code are legal measures that may replace custodial sentences in cases permitted by law and where the applicable statutory requirements are satisfied.
Types of Alternative Sentences
- Community service.
- Rehabilitation programs.
- Addiction treatment with the convicted person’s consent.
- Electronic monitoring.
- Restrictions on entering specified places.
- Home confinement or residence within a specified geographical area, subject to the applicable legal conditions.
Under the 2025 amendment discussed in this guide, courts may in certain circumstances and for purposes specified by law replace a custodial sentence with one or more alternative measures. The law also regulates the roles of the court and the judge responsible for sentence enforcement in determining the duration and implementation of the alternative measure.
Important: A short custodial sentence does not by itself mean that an alternative sentence is available. The law establishes conditions, restrictions, and exclusions that may depend on the type of offense, the judgment, and the circumstances of the convicted person.
Jordan Penal Code 2025 PDF: Official Amendment
If you are searching for a Jordan Penal Code 2025 PDF, you can access the official text of Law No. 12 of 2025 amending the Penal Code through the Jordanian Official Gazette.
It is important to understand that the 2025 document is an amending law. It is not a new consolidated Penal Code containing every article from beginning to end. The amendment must therefore be read together with Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 and the other applicable amendments to determine the legal text currently in force.
You can view Law No. 12 of 2025 amending the Penal Code through the Jordanian Official Gazette.
The amending law is also available through the Jordanian Ministry of Justice laws section.
Important: Law No. 12 of 2025 is an amending law rather than a standalone consolidated copy containing every article of the Jordan Penal Code. It should be read together with Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 and its other amendments.
Official Sources for the Jordan Penal Code
- Jordanian Ministry of Justice — for available legislation and amending laws.
- Law No. 12 of 2025 Amending the Penal Code – Jordanian Official Gazette.
- Jordan Bar Association — legislation library including Penal Code No. 16 of 1960.
Types of Criminal Penalties Under Jordanian Law
Criminal penalties in Jordan vary according to the legal classification of the offense and the provision applicable to it. Different rules apply to felonies, misdemeanors, and violations, together with provisions governing custodial sentences, fines, and alternative measures that may be available in certain circumstances.
The applicable punishment cannot be determined solely from the general name of an offense. The relevant Penal Code article, legal classification of the charge, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances must also be identified.
Important: The penalty in a criminal case cannot be determined merely by knowing the name of the alleged offense. The applicable provision, legal classification of the charge, and relevant circumstances must also be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Jordan Penal Code
What Is the Current Penal Code in Jordan?
Jordan’s Penal Code sets out criminal offenses, penalties, and the general rules of criminal liability. The principal legislation is Penal Code No. 16 of 1960, read together with its amendments. According to the official sources reviewed for this guide, one of the latest amendments is Law No. 12 of 2025.
What Is the Latest Amendment to Jordan’s Penal Code?
According to the official sources reviewed for this guide, the latest amending law identified is Law No. 12 of 2025. It amends Jordan’s Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 and must be read together with the original law and other amendments to determine the legal provision currently in force.
Is There a New Jordan Penal Code for 2026?
No separate Jordan Penal Code enacted in 2026 appears in the official sources reviewed for this guide. The phrase “Jordan Penal Code 2026” generally refers to Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 as in force during 2026, together with all applicable amendments, including the 2025 amendment.
What Were the Main 2025 Amendments to Jordan’s Penal Code?
Law No. 12 of 2025 amended several provisions of Jordan’s Penal Code. Key changes discussed in this guide include expanding and reorganizing alternatives to custodial sentences, amending certain provisions and definitions, and addressing matters related to fines and the implementation and duration of alternative sentences. Specific conditions and exclusions may apply.
What Are Alternative Sentences Under Jordan’s Penal Code?
Alternative sentences are legal measures that may replace custodial sentences in certain cases where the statutory requirements are met. They may include community service, rehabilitation programs, addiction treatment with the convicted person’s consent, electronic monitoring, restrictions on entering certain places, and home or geographically restricted residence. They are not available automatically in every criminal case.
What Are the Articles of the Jordanian Penal Code?
The articles of Jordan’s Penal Code cover matters such as the scope of criminal law, general criminal liability, types of penalties, and individual criminal offenses. When researching a specific article, the article number alone may not be enough; its current wording, later amendments, and the date of the alleged offense should also be checked.
Conclusion
Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 and its applicable amendments remain the principal legal framework for the criminal law matters governed by the Code. Among the most recent official amendments identified in the sources reviewed for this guide is Law No. 12 of 2025 amending the Penal Code.
Accordingly, when searching for the “new Jordan Penal Code,” “Jordan Penal Code 2025,” or “Jordan Penal Code 2026,” it is important to check both the principal Penal Code and the amendments currently applicable to the specific article being researched rather than relying on an outdated copy or summary.
If a criminal case has already reached the investigation or trial stage, the relevant charge, applicable Penal Code provisions, procedural stage, and rights of the accused should also be considered when reviewing the legal position.
Do you need a lawyer to review the Jordan Penal Code and its amendments in relation to your case?
Send the charge, a brief summary of the facts, the date of the alleged offense, the current stage of the case, and any available documents so the relevant Penal Code provisions and amendments can be reviewed in relation to your matter.
Legal Disclaimer: This content is provided as a general legal guide and is not a substitute for reviewing the official legislation currently in force. The applicable legal rule may vary depending on the date of the alleged offense, amendments in force at that time, the legal classification of the charge, the facts, and the procedural stage of the case. The official text of the relevant article and applicable amending laws should be reviewed before relying on any provision in a specific case or legal submission.