UAE sets up new one-day courts to expedite minor cases

The UAE Federal Judiciary has approved the establishment of one-day misdemeanour courts to deal with specific minor cases.

The move has been approved in line with the Code of Criminal Procedures, with a view to reducing the backlog of cases in the courts, and making the criminal legal system more efficient.

UAE Minister of Justice Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi Al Dhaheri says the new courts will be established in every federal judicial department.

Al Daheri said it "will strengthen efforts to enhance the legislative and legal environment in the State in keeping with the tremendous developments taking place across all economic, scientific and social fields and in a way that ensures the wellbeing of Emiratis, residents and visitors of the country and advances the State's rankings across global competitiveness indices". 

The courts may deal with some cases addressed by the Penal Code, including, but not limited to, those related to labour strikes, eavesdropping in phone calls, intentional disturbance of others through means of wireless and wired communications, desecration of burial sites, non-implementation of judgments concerning alimony and child-support; and concealment of crime-related tools.

In addition, they may address cases related to the Federal Law Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreign Nationals in the UAE, including arrival via any means of transport without travel or entry permits and forging entry visas.

The courts may also look into traffic violations, punished by imprisonment or fining, including, but not limited to, falsifying, misusing, distorting or changing plate numbers or submitting false or misleading data to hide essential information needed to issue licenses, and driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

وافق المجلس الأعلى للقضاء الاتحادي على إنشاء محاكم اتحادية جديدة بكل دور قضاء تحت مسمى (محكمة جنح اليوم الواحد) وذلك للفصل في قضايا الجنح البسيطة تفاصيل الخبر https://t.co/ak93UgAa26 pic.twitter.com/TuFTAvz98N

— وزارة العدل (@MOJ_UAE) December 21, 2020