The rationale for detention in the Jordanian Code of criminal procedure: A comparative study with French law

Amendments to the Jordanian Code of Criminal Procedure (JCCP) concerning the rationale for detention have narrowed its scope of application and provided for alternatives. However, although these amendments are important, their drafting has not achieved the stated objectives. To address this issue, the laws of Jordan and France are reviewed. The study's novelty lies in the justification for detention in the JCCP, which takes advantage of the long experience of French law and justice. It is recommended that the Public Prosecutor and the competent court justify an extension to a period of detention or a denial of release based on Article 114(1) of the JCCP. It is also suggested that a detention warrant is only issued or extended when grounded on the details of the specific case; that is, detention must only be effected when an alternative cannot achieve one or more of the goals of detention.