What the study found
The study finds that there is no precise and universally accepted definition of political offense. It argues that this uncertainty can undermine legal certainty and complicate judicial interpretation in Jordan and other Arab legal settings.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the issue matters because it may affect the effective protection of constitutional rights and freedoms, including political participation, access to public office, penal treatment, and freedom of opinion and expression. They also suggest that peaceful political dissent should not be treated the same as violent, terroristic, or ordinary criminal conduct.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a doctrinal legal method. They analyzed constitutional texts, penal legislation, judicial decisions, academic literature, and selected international legal instruments, with a focus on Jordan and selected Arab legislative approaches.
What worked and what didn't
The study reports that recent developments in Jordan's Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023 have implications for freedom of expression and political dissent. It also proposes a narrow understanding of political offense as peaceful, non-violent conduct connected to political dissent, reform, or participation in public affairs, excluding violence, sabotage, incitement, and serious violations of others' rights.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not provide empirical data or compare outcomes across multiple cases in detail. The summary also does not state specific limitations beyond the study's legal and doctrinal scope.
Key points
- No precise and universally accepted definition of political offense is identified in the study.
- The authors say definitional uncertainty can weaken legal certainty and judicial interpretation.
- The study focuses on Jordan and selected Arab legislative approaches.
- It examines impacts on political participation, public office access, penal treatment, and freedom of opinion and expression.
- The authors propose a narrow definition limited to peaceful, non-violent political dissent.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Political offense definition remains uncertain in Jordan and Arab law
- Authors:
- Zeyad Jaffal, Tayil Shiyab, Faisal Shawabkeh
- Institutions:
- Al Ain University, Al Ain University, Al Ain University
- Publication date:
- 2026-06-29
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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