In comparison to other Middle East countries, justice issues are relatively minor. Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a royal family and an elected, unicameral parliament. In practice the royal family has the final say-so over every issue. The emir has disbanded the parliament on numerous occasions. However, the benign proclivity of the royal family has been a protection for the citizens.
There are three issues: distribution of wealth, religious freedom, and treatment of ex-patriot workers.
The financial resources of Kuwait are immense, and the Emir generally distributes the wealth among the citizens. Complaints from citizens are relatively rare (but there are potential penalties for criticizing the royal family). There are lacunae of problems, particularly with the health service , but once again, these are few. The criticism here is that citizens have no voice in the use of Kuwait’s wealth.
The issue of religious freedom is complex. The constitution guarantees religious freedom, but there are articles of law that abridge this freedom. One who renounces Islam (apostasy) may have their marriage annulled and cannot inherit family property. The charge of blasphemy may be brought by anyone, and the penalty may be fine and imprisonment. On occasion the parliament has passed laws invoking the death penalty for conversion from Islam to Christianity, but the Emir has thrown out such penalties. The fact is that there is no true religious freedom in Kuwait for Kuwaiti citizens.
The treatment of ex-patriot workers from the developing world often reaches news reports. These workers are underpaid by local standards and often physically mistreated. Their recourse through the legal system is limited. Still, one must admit that they are in Kuwait by their own choice.
The overall fact is that the rule of law in Kuwait cannot be depended upon by the average citizen. In contrast to the common law system of justice, Kuwait legal jurisprudence is not controlled by precedent. Thus, a decision in one instance may not be replicated in the next instance.
