As the UAE aims to achieve top rank in the rule of law, its Cabinet has adopted a resolution to reform the Civil Procedure Code.
The decision, which outlines important judicial reforms in line with the UAE Vision 2021 and UAE Centennial Strategy 2071, is aimed at strengthening and modernising judicial procedures to ensure their ease of application.
The UAE aims to achieve a rank of 25th out of 113 countries in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index within the next five years, according officials at the Ministry of Justice.
Reforms include the unification of procedures in all civil courts across the UAE, with the necessary flexibility to implement judicial decisions in accordance with the requirements of each judicial body.
They aim to improve the overall environment of the legislative and judicial structure of the UAE, to better serve society and enhance its competitiveness at the global level.
New reforms include items related to the one-day court, which aims to provide fast and efficient judicial services in order to speed up the process to 15 days from the time of registration.
The shake-up takes into consideration modern developments, especially the digital and technological revolution, where the need to introduce modern technology in the field of justice, such as electronic registration procedures or issuing verdicts and judicial orders through modern electronic means, is needed to shorten and streamline procedures.
For the fourth consecutive year, the UAE has topped the WJP’s Rule of Law Index in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
Globally, the country’s position rose one place for overall rule of law performance — from 33rd in the 2016 index — to 32nd out of 113 countries in the 2017-2018 edition.
Its score places it first in the list of seven countries in the Mena region.
The UAE is also placed 30th out of 35 among high income countries.
Members of the Federal National Council have recently demanded that laws be reformed to ensure systems of law and justice meet the challenges of modern society as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics evolve.
They argued the wave of automation, driven by artificial intelligence is creating a gap between current legislation and new laws necessary for evolving robotics.
A report prepared by the House’s constitutional and legislative affairs committee found that laws were lagging behind intelligent systems of the fourth industrial revolution.
According to the report, robotics and increased automation of the fourth industrial revolution will bring about changes in society at every level in every sector, which will necessitate reforming laws and upgrading the Ministry of Justice’s strategy to meet the needs of modern society.
SOURCE : GULFNEWS