Judicial and Legal Reforms in New Uzbekistan

Abstract

This scholarly article undertakes a rigorous legal and constitutional analysis of the large-scale judicial and legal reforms unfolding in the Republic of Uzbekistan within the conceptual framework of the “New Uzbekistan” Development Strategy for 2022–2026 and the long-term “Uzbekistan – 2030” agenda. It systematically examines the transformative processes aimed at constructing a truly independent, professional, transparent, and people-oriented judiciary in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, separation of powers, and constitutionalism. The research critically engages with key normative innovations — including the establishment of a unified judicial system, expansion of habeas corpus safeguards, enhancement of procedural guarantees, and the full-fledged digitalization of court proceedings — as pivotal mechanisms to ensure the effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In addition to analyzing domestic legal transformations, the article offers a comparative overview of relevant international legal instruments and best practices, thereby situating Uzbekistan's reform trajectory within the broader global discourse on judicial independence and good governance. Particular attention is devoted to the elevation of the legal profession’s status, the strengthening of the adversarial system, and the institutional consolidation of checks and balances in the justice sector. By combining doctrinal analysis with empirical insights, the article articulates both the theoretical foundations and practical challenges of ongoing reforms, ultimately underscoring their significance in the construction of a democratic legal order responsive to the imperatives of justice, legal certainty, and sustainable development.