Timor-Leste Amends Judicial Organisation Law for System Implementation

On April 17, 2025, the National Parliament of Timor-Leste approved an amendment to the Judicial Organisation Law to ensure the full implementation of the judicial system. The amendment passed with 39 votes in favor, 18 against, and one abstention during a plenary session attended by Minister of Justice Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai and Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Adérito Hugo da Costa.

Purpose of the Amendment

The amendment aims to create the legal conditions necessary for the full installation of the Supreme Court of Justice. The previous legislation provided for installing this higher court within 30 months, but the complexity of recruiting and selecting magistrates prevented the stipulated deadline from being met.

Key Provisions

The legislative amendment:

• Extends the deadline for establishing the Supreme Court to allow for rigorous and impartial recruitment and selection of magistrates.
• Clarifies the regime for the transition of judges and technical staff from the current Court of Appeal to the new Court of Appeal.
• Establishes, on a transitional basis, that the President of the Court of Appeal will be appointed by the President of the Republic for a four-year term until the installation of the new higher courts is declared.

Implications for the Justice Sector

This amendment is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and consolidating accessible and effective judicial institutions throughout Timor-Leste. The government reaffirms its commitment to consolidating an effective justice system where processes are swift, balanced, reliable, independent, and fair.

For more detailed information, refer to the original article on TATOLI's website.