Saudi Judicial Reform

This Arab News report summarizes new efforts by Saudi Arabia to modernize its judicial system. Some key points:

The inauguration by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah of the first phase of a major project to upgrade judicial facilities early next year will open a new era for the Kingdom’s judicial system, said Justice Minister Muhammad Al-Eissa on Tuesday.

“The Ministry of Justice is committed to carrying out its responsibilities in the best possible manner and overcoming all difficulties that obstruct the speedy grant of rights and justice,” the minister said while announcing the quick implementation of the project.

He said the project, which was initiated by King Abdullah, aims at mobilizing knowledge, expertise, technology and manpower in the service of Shariah. “The speeding up of the judicial process and ensuring justice are the hallmarks of development,” he added.

Al-Eissa spelled out his ministry’s efforts to develop the Kingdom’s judiciary in line with modern developments, accommodating the best practices of other countries, such as the pleading of cases in courts through lawyers and the publication of court verdicts. He said Saudi judges were highly qualified to do their jobs.

This would appear to be part of King ‘Abdullah's efforts to make the judicial system a bit more transparent and more consistent with international concepts of the rule of law. Probably worth noting.,