The government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has been keen to work within a cogent structure that offers world-class services to the public in all sectors as part of the general plan to restructure the government of the Emirate, which features first emerged in 2006. This was done so that Abu Dhabi could enter a new phase of construction to implement the emirate’s ambitious vision to enhance its competitiveness and achieve global leadership. |
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Hence, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, issued Law No. 23 of 2006 reorganizing the Judicial Department in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This law came to confirm the independence and integrity of the judiciary, its impartiality and independence from the executive authority in the emirate. In this context, the law stipulates the establishment of a Judicial Council chaired by the President of the Court of Cassation, which is concerned with examining all matters related to the appointment, promotion, and secondment of judges in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to the necessity of taking its opinion on bills related to the judiciary and the public prosecution.
The law also provideds for the formation of courts of first instance, courts of appeal and a court of cassation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Courts of first instance are are divided into civil, commercial, penal, administrative, and personal status chambers, in addition to other chambers that are formed based on the recommendation of the Judicial Council. The law also stipulates the conditions for appointing judges, it also establishe a public prosecution office for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, headed by an attorney general and a sufficient number of prosecutors, as well as the establishment of the enforcement division, which is concerned with the enforcement of court judgements and notices. Another division called the "judicial inspection division" was attached to the department, to be specialised in conducting periodic inspections of judges and members of the Public Prosecution Office and detecting any shortcomings in their performance of their duties. The law allocated an important chapter with regard to the immunity of judges, their duties, and accountability. This chapter aims to enhance the independence and integrity of the judiciary and ensure the transparency of the judge’s work within certain parameters that guarantee the judge’s commitment to his impartiality in taking decisions, as the law in this chapter gives them sufficient immunity to enable them to carry out their work without any influence from any party whatsoever in their decision-making, in addition to holding the judge accountable when he transgresses or fails to perform his tasks..
Since its inception, the Department has evolved its mission of upholding the law to protect rights, liberties, and community safety in accordance with a vision that prioritizes excellence, effectiveness, and the delivery of world-class court services while upholding the principles of justice, integrity, customer service, commitment to excellence, and teamwork.
Through the concerted efforts of its divisions, the Judicial Department promises to deliver its message of adhering to the rule of law and safeguarding rights, freedoms, and the security of society through:
The Judicial Council which consists of ten of the top senior counsellors in the Judicial Department. Their task is to supervise all functions and tasks, including the selection, promotion, and secondment of judges as well as other judicial technical affairs.
Administration of the Judicial Department
headed by the Undersecretary of the Judicial Department, who supervises the implementation of strategies, supports administrative work, and all related matters
The Public Prosecution Office
headed by the Attorney General, who supervises all technical and administrative tasks related to the Public Prosecution Office.