With his accession to power as Amir in March 1999, Sheikh Hamad began an unprecedented process of political reform.
In a 2001 open national referendum, the population voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new National Charter calling for the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, respectful of the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law, and the establishment of a Constitutional Court. The National Charter also provides for a legislative system consisting of two chambers, including one with legislative attributes, to be elected directly and freely by the citizens by 2003. The most remarkable development related to the judiciary in Bahrain was the abolition of both the Decree Law on State Security Measures and the State Security Court Measures. In 2000, a Supreme Council of the Judiciary was established for the first time.
Attacks on Justice 2002 – Bahrain [full text, PDF]