Saudi Arabia: It’s time to Judge the judges

It's time to Judge the judges

Arab News
By MUNEERA AL-MATROUK | AL-MADINAH


Some judges are still practicing their mastery over litigants and others coming to the courts.

Their authority starts to show by not complying with their working hours. Judges often come to work late. It is as if they have the right to do so. Whoever wants to see them will have to wait until they arrive at their own leisure.

When they do come to courts, they will be followed by Oud incense. They will then be served with Arabian coffee and dates.

After this ceremony, their doors will be open. Anyone entering the courtroom will have to be careful and tactful even if he has to sacrifice some of his requests.

The important thing is to maintain the temperament of the judge, otherwise you might get kicked out of the room or jailed.

This is a typical scenario some judges are trying preserve despite recent developments in the judiciary system, which include reforming the lawyers' system.

This system will help the judge, enable him to reach the truth and issue a fair judgment.

Lawyers who are fully aware of the rules and regulations may challenge the supremacy the judges are keen to preserve, but many hurdles are put in their way.

The lawyers' committee in Madinah complained to the chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council that the judicial inspection statute issued last November has been deactivated.

Chairman of the committee Sultan Al-Zahim said the statute contains a number of provisions that preserve the rights of the people and protect their freedom.

Article 30 of the same statute made it obligatory for presidents of the courts to accept complaints against judges concerning their performance. Instances of misbehavior include: the judge badmouthing one of the litigants, asking him to leave the court and refusing to hear his case or ignoring the lawyer without any legal justification.

Al-Zahim said the presidents of the courts turn a blind eye to the application of this rule, which makes it imperative for them to reprimand their judges verbally or in writing.

According to the article, when the complaint is made in writing, a copy of it must be sent to the Supreme Judicial Council.

If the judge repeats his mistakes, the president of the court should report to the Supreme Judicial Council.

I think more important than issuing the rules and regulations is applying them, so that they do not lay idle in closets.

(aaljamili@yahoo.cpm)