by the Government of Kuwait

“ The National Assembly at all times has the right to set up committees of inquiry or to delegate one or more of its members to investigate any matter within its competence. Ministers and all Government officials must produce testimonials, documents, and statements requested from them. ”

“ Every Minister is responsible to the National Assembly for the affairs of his ministry. If the Assembly passes a vote of no confidence against a Minister, he is considered to have resigned his office as from the date of the vote of no confidence and shall immediately submit his formal resignation. The question of confidence in a Minister may not be raised except upon his request or upon a demand signed by ten members, following a debate on an interpellation addressed to him. ”

“ No interference whatsoever is allowed with the conduct of justice. Law guarantees the independence of the Judiciary and states the guarantees and provisions relating to judges and the conditions of their irrevocability.
Article 164 [Court System, Military Courts] Law regulates the Courts of various kinds and degrees and specifies their functions and jurisdiction. Except when Martial Law is in force, Military Courts have jurisdiction only over military offences committed by members of the armed and security forces within the limits specified by law. ”

“ However, in other than penal matters, a law may, with the approval of a majority vote of the members constituting the National Assembly, prescribe otherwise.
Article 180 [Continuation of Laws] All provisions of laws, regulations, decrees, orders, and decisions, in effect upon the coming into force of this Constitution, continue to be applicable unless amended or repealed in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this Constitution, provided that they are not contrary to any of its provisions. ”

“ No one shall be prevented from disposing of his property except within the limits of the law. No property shall be expropriated except for the public benefit under the circumstances and in the manner specified by law, and on condition that just compensation is paid. ”

“ A financial control and audit commission is established by a law, which ensures its independence. The commission is attached to the National Assembly and assists the government and the National Assembly in controlling the collection of the State revenues and the disbursement of its expenditures within the limits of the budget. ”

“ The National Assembly is the competent authority to accept resignation of its members.
Article 97 [Quorum, Majority] For a meeting of the National Assembly to be valid, more than half of its members must be present. Resolutions are passed by an absolute majority vote of the members present, except in cases where a special majority is required. When votes are equally divided, the motion is rejected. ”

“ The Assembly may ask for a Minister to be present whenever a matter relating to his ministry is under discussion. The Cabinet must be represented in the sittings of the Assembly by the Prime Minister or by some Ministers.
Article 117 [Standing Orders, Duty to Presence] The National Assembly determines its standing orders, which include the procedure of the Assembly and its committees and the rules pertaining to discussion, voting, questions, interpellation, and all other functions prescribed in the Constitution. ”

“ National defense is a sacred duty, and military service is an honor for citizens, which shall be regulated by law.
Article 48 [Taxation, Minimum Standard of Living] Payment of taxes and public imposts is a duty in accordance with the law, which regulates exemption of small incomes from taxes in such a way as to maintain the minimum standard of living.
Article 49 [Public Order, Public Morals] Observance of public order and respect for public morals are a duty incumbent upon all inhabitants of Kuwait. ”

“ Every individual has the right to address the public authorities in writing over his signature. Only duly constituted organizations and bodies corporate have the right to address the authorities collectively. ”

“ Specific funds may be appropriated by law for more than one year if the nature of the expenditure so requires, provided that each budget shall include the funds allocated for that year, or alternatively, an extraordinary budget covering more than one financial year shall be drawn up. ”

“ The Emir issues, by decree, the regulations necessary for the execution of laws without amending or suspending such laws or making any exemption from their execution. A law may prescribe a less formal instrument than a decree for the issue of the regulations necessary for its execution. ”

“ A special law defines the offences which may be committed by Ministers in the performance of their duties, and specifies the procedure for their indictment and trial and the competent authority for the said trial, without affecting the application of other laws to their ordinary acts or offences and to the civil liability arising there from. ”

“ Freedom of opinion and of scientific research is guaranteed. Every person has the right to express and propagate his opinion verbally, in writing, or otherwise, in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified by law. ”

“ Article 140 [Annual Budget] The Government draws up the annual budget, comprising the revenue and expenditure of the State, and submits it to the National Assembly for examination and approval at least two months before the end of each current financial year.
Article 141 [Budget Discussion, Purpose] (1) The budget shall be discussed in the National Assembly part by part.
(2) None of the public revenues may be allocated for a specific purpose except by law. ”

“ No person shall be arrested, detained, searched, or compelled to reside in a specified place, nor shall the residence of any person or his liberty to choose his place of residence or his liberty of movement be restricted, except in accordance with the provisions of the law. ”

“ General confiscation of the property of any person shall be prohibited. Confiscation of particular property as a penalty may not be inflicted except by court judgment in the circumstances specified by law. ”

“ However, treaties of peace and alliance; treaties concerning the territory of the State, its natural resources or sovereign rights, or public or private rights of citizens; treaties of commerce, navigation, and residence; and treaties entailing additional expenditure not provided for in the budget, or involving amendment of the laws of Kuwait; shall come into force only when made by a law.
(3) In no case may treaties include secret provisions contradicting those declared. ”