The Constitution of Jordan establishes the judiciary as one of three separate and independent branches of government, alongside the executive and the legislature.

The Constitution of Jordan establishes the judiciary as one of three separate and independent branches of government, alongside the executive and the legislature. Jordan's legal system is based on the Constitution, the Court Establishment Law of 1951, and civil and criminal codes, with Islamic and ecclesiastical law applying in certain matters.

Jordan has three main types of courts: civil, military and religious. Civil courts hear all civil and criminal cases not specifically reserved for another court and operate at four levels. The Magistrate's Courts are the lowest level, where a single judge hears minor civil and criminal matters. The Courts of First Instance hear more serious criminal and civil cases, as well as appeals in minor criminal cases. The Courts of Appeal hear appeals from the lower courts in three-judge panels. The Court of Cassation serves as Jordan's Supreme Court and hears final appeals in felony cases and major civil cases. Personal status matters fall under religious courts. For Muslims, Sharia law applies and a dedicated Sharia court system decides these cases, so there is no civil marriage or divorce in Jordan. A separate military court system also exists. Public prosecution is led by the Attorney General, who supervises all public prosecutors, while the Chief Attorney General represents the government before the Court of Cassation.

Access to justice is supported by the Ministry of Justice, which administers a state legal aid system and fund, and by the Jordanian Bar Association, which is mandated to provide legal aid to those who cannot afford a lawyer. However, state-guaranteed legal representation is largely limited to serious criminal cases. Non-governmental organisations such as the Justice Center for Legal Aid (JCLA), the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), and Tamkeen fill much of the remaining gap. They provide free legal counselling and representation, particularly in civil and family matters and for vulnerable groups including refugees.