Uzbekistan plans a series of changes to its judicial system through 2030, including the establishment of interregional courts, expansion of digital court services, introduction of new standards for criminal proceedings and broader use of mediation and conciliation.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the results of judicial and legal reforms and priorities for further development of the court system during a meeting with judicial system officials. The meeting included a presentation of the draft Justice 2030 Strategy, which sets out planned reforms through the end of the decade.
The strategy was developed based on public feedback, discussions with academics, practicing lawyers and attorneys, as well as international practices. It contains 57 objectives, while the implementation program for 2026–2028 includes 160 specific measures. A total of 33 targets are expected to be achieved by 2030.
The reforms are intended to improve access to courts, procedures for restoring violated rights and the consistency of judicial decisions. Authorities said an analysis of public appeals and judicial practice had identified issues requiring further changes despite reforms implemented in recent years.
Five interregional courts planned from 2027
One of the proposed institutional changes is the establishment of five interregional courts from July 1, 2027. Under the planned structure, regional courts will retain appellate and cassation functions, while powers of the review instance will be transferred to the new interregional courts. The change is intended to end the practice of courts reviewing their own decisions and reduce the need for citizens to bring cases to courts located in the capital.
Civil courts are also expected to expand geographically. By 2030, their activities will gradually be organized in almost all districts and cities where necessary, reflecting the volume of cases involving issues directly affecting individuals and households.
Court services will be organized through a "one-stop shop" model, allowing citizens to obtain information, submit applications and access digital services through a single system. Procedures for handling incorrectly submitted applications are also expected to change. If an application falls under the jurisdiction of another court, it will be forwarded to the appropriate court instead of being returned to the applicant. Courts will also provide assistance in addressing minor deficiencies identified in submitted documents.
New procedures planned for economic cases
Uzbekistan also plans to introduce a "proactive management of economic cases" standard aimed at reducing procedural duplication in commercial disputes. Under the proposed approach, entrepreneurs would not be required to apply to multiple courts or repeatedly submit the same documents when resolving economic cases. Changes are also planned for criminal proceedings. A "reasonable suspicion" or prima facie standard will be introduced during investigation and inquiry procedures to strengthen judicial oversight of restrictions on personal liberty.
When considering requests for sanctions, investigating judges will be authorized to examine the legality of a person's detention and assess whether sufficient grounds exist for suspicion or charges. Judges will also be able to request additional materials where necessary.
The strategy provides for the creation of an open Register of Precedents intended to improve consistency in judicial practice. The register will include decisions adopted by the Presidium of the Supreme Court.
Uzbekistan to establish open Register of Precedents
The strategy provides for the creation of an open Register of Precedents intended to improve consistency in judicial practice. The register will include decisions adopted by the Presidium of the Supreme Court. From 2028, Uzbekistan also plans to introduce a judicial administration system. The measure is intended to transfer organizational responsibilities unrelated to adjudication away from judges, allowing them to focus on judicial functions.
Further proposals considered during the meeting covered constitutional proceedings, the effectiveness of judicial bodies, judicial independence and opportunities for court personnel to improve their qualifications abroad.
Digital Court system to expand nationwide
Digitalization represents another component of the Justice 2030 Strategy. The "Digital Court" concept is planned to be fully implemented across the country's courts, while the my.sud.uz portal and its mobile application will be further developed.
Authorities plan to increase the proportion of court appeals submitted electronically to at least 50%. The strategy also targets audio recording of 100% of court hearings and a minimum fivefold increase in the number of users of the Supreme Court's information systems.
Other planned measures include expanding mediation and conciliation procedures and establishing an open register of administrative acts that courts have found to be unlawful. The number of categories of criminal cases considered with jury participation is expected to increase to at least three. During the meeting, officials also presented a proposed design for special uniforms for court employees. The measure is intended to make court personnel more easily identifiable to citizens and establish common standards for staff.
President Mirziyoyev also reviewed proposals covering further development of constitutional proceedings, improvements to judicial bodies and measures related to the professional training of judicial personnel. Following the presentation, the president approved the draft Justice 2030 Strategy and signed a decree providing for implementation of the reforms outlined in the document.
