Student’s Name

Fatma Alzaabi Zayed University

5th December 2021

Internship Report: A Focus on Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)

Abu Dhabi’s administration launched a significant program of government-wide reform in 2006. The program’s goal was establishing a unified government framework capable of offering a complete world-class system and structure of government services to the residents, businesses entities, and visitors. Furthermore, the effort was created to attain the daring agenda of gradually upgrading Abu Dhabi and its government to among the leading national institutions in the world. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), is a government agency founded in 2006 under the justice and courts category of government. The ADJD employs about 5000 employees and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Emirate of Abu Dhabi (ADJD). The specialties for the agency include the judicial process, maintaining justice, a critical part of law enforcement, litigation, prosecution, the courts, and notarization. It is located in Al Khaleej Al Arabi St., Abu Dhabi, Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan provided Ordinance No. (23) in 2006 with an aim of restructuring the ADJD based on a vision of becoming a leader in the provision of government services on a global scale (Groo 1). The bill was an initial move toward the region’s objective of building an independent and competent judicial framework capable of objectively administering justice and respecting the law of the land. The Judicial Council was constituted by Law (23) and would be presided by the President of the Court of Cassation. It appoints, promotes, and replaces judges, and it is to be consulted on matters concerning the judiciary and the Public Prosecution.

Through the ADJD, Abu Dhabi has been effective in maintaining the rule of law, and as a result, it has secured national triumphs. Such efforts have been made possible via the efforts of specialists with vast professional experience and highly competent indigenous employees who are aware of the duties that have been put upon them (ADJD). Initiatives and efforts to carry out the strategic plan for developing the judicial and administrative systems have placed an emphasis on the integration of modern information technology systems into development efforts and endeavors because of the direct relationship between modern information technology systems and strengthening capabilities, improving performance, accelerating achievement, streamlining procedures, and strengthening bonds between different parties seeking justice and fairness. As a result, the Abu Dhabi Government may be able to achieve its goal of providing world-class contemporary services while creating an ideal atmosphere of efficiency and openness through its judicial organ.

Mission of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department: To establish an efficient and independent judicial system that provides world-class judicial services to the people of Abu Dhabi. A primary goal of the organization is to safeguard the rule of law in society by safeguarding justice, liberty, and the preservation of peace. In addition to judicial independence, fairness and honesty, excellent customer service, and teamwork are among the ideals upheld by the institution (Groo 3). These and other vital goals include access to justice, a fair and capable judicial system that offers effective and innovative judicial services, public trust, confidence, highly qualified people and an inspirational work environment, as well as transparency and accountability.

As a part of the ADJD, the law created the Emirate’s First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation Courts. There are also circuits recommended by the Judicial Council. The Law also established a Public Prosecution led by the Attorney General and provided for a sufficient number of members. Execution and Judicial Inspection were created by the same law. They both report to the Judicial Council and are responsible for enforcing judgements and providing judicial services. The judge’s immunity, obligations, and accountability are extensively covered in the law.

The Department’s objective has always been to promote justice, liberty, and peace. In order to attain this purpose, the judiciary must deliver world-class services, safeguard its independence and ideals, administer justice impartially, serve the public effectively, strive excellence, and foster teamwork. Several departments of the ADJD work together to attain several goals. The ADJD’s Judicial Council protects the judiciary’s independence through exercising statutory authorizations. Appointment, promotion, transfer, assignment and secondment of judges and prosecutors are its unique responsibilities (ADJD). This body also reviews draft legislation relevant to the judiciary and public prosecution in the Emirate, and gives authorizations pertaining to the full judicial process’ flow. The Undersecretary of the Judicial Department oversees the department. It develops and implements the Department’s policies and strategic goals, with the Chairman’s approval. On a quarterly basis, it reports to the Chairman on the Department’s operations, successes, and processes. Attorney General oversees all judicial and administrative actions related to Public Prosecution, which prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the people and public juries to ensure justice and the law’s application. The Legal Department’s legal system has three levels: the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal, and the Court of Cassation. Each court is led by a chief justice who is accompanied by a team of full-time judges and administrative staff. The courts are separated into judicial circuits based on the kind of case; they include civil, commercial, labor, criminal, and personal status courts. The Court of Cassation is based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region.

Works Cited

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). “About ADJD.” ADJD, Abu Dhabi Government, 2021,

https://www.adjd.gov.ae/EN/pages/aboutadjd.aspx

Groo, Lawrence. “Judicial System Restructuring and Modernization in Abu Dhabi.” IJCA. Vol.

1. 2008. https://dspace.library.uu.nl/bitstream/handle/1874/287303/122-266-1-SM.pdf?sequence=2