Prior to 1971 the Sharia Courts had the jurisdiction to decide on civil and criminal matters, in addition to personal status matters in Oman. Later his Majesty Sultan Qaboos ushered in a new era of judicial and administrative reforms in the judicial system in the Sultanate based more on the State.

The incidence of street crime is low in Oman; violent crime is rare by Western standards, but can occur so visitors should take normal precautions, such as avoiding travel in deserted or unfamiliar areas and after dark.