Brunei darussalam
The Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam inaugurated the Legal Year 2026 on January 22, 2026, gathering members of the Judiciary and legal fraternity to mark the commencement of the court's legal calendar.
The ceremony commenced with a traditional Guard of Honour parade by the Royal Brunei Police Force, inspected by The Honourable Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong. In his address, the Chief Justice reflected on the Judiciary's contributions to Brunei's Vision 2035, emphasizing the role of an efficient and competent Judiciary in fostering investor confidence and supporting economic diversification.
Chief Justice Chong reported on the Judiciary's work and reforms over the past year, noting an increase in civil filings in the High Court and a stable criminal caseload. He highlighted the Judiciary's strong rule of law environment, referencing Brunei's 79% percentile rank in the World Bank's rule of law index as of 2023.
Looking ahead, the Chief Justice outlined key initiatives for 2026, including enhanced student engagement through proposed 'Open Day in Court' and Judicial Internship Programmes aimed at nurturing future legal talent. Additionally, reforms in juvenile justice with a focus on rehabilitation and restorative practices were announced. The Judiciary also plans to develop guidelines on the responsible use of artificial intelligence by court users.
In conclusion, Chief Justice Chong reiterated the collective commitment to justice and upholding the rule of law in Brunei Darussalam, expressing appreciation to judges, judicial officers, court staff, the legal profession, and law enforcement agencies for their dedication.
