SHARJAH, 6th May 2025 (WAM) -- His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, issued a law regulating the judicial authority in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The law included the following judicial principles:

1. The judiciary serves as the cornerstone of justice, ensuring the right to a fair trial for all individuals. Any actions that contravene this foundational principle are strictly prohibited.

2. Litigation is a protected and guaranteed right afforded to every individual. All parties involved in legal proceedings are entitled to equitable treatment. Litigants shall be regarded as equal under the judiciary, free from any form of discrimination.

3. Judges operate with independence in the execution of their responsibilities. They are accountable solely to the provisions of the Constitution and the law, free from any external authority. The independence of the judiciary is inviolable.

4. The honour, integrity, conscience, and impartiality of judiciary members serve as safeguards for rights and freedoms.

5. The right to legal defence is guaranteed to litigants throughout all phases of investigation and trial.

The legislation encompasses provisions pertaining to the Judicial Council, which is mandated to consist of a Chairman and the following members:

a. The Chairman of the Judicial Department.
b. The Chairman of the Sharjah Government Legal Department.
c. The Chairman of the Court of Cassation.
d. The Attorney General.
e. The Chairman of the Judicial Inspection Department.
f. The Chairman of the Courts of Appeal.
g. The Chairman of the Courts of First Instance.

The members of the Council are appointed through an Emiri Decree, which also designates a Vice-Chairman from among the Council members.

The objectives of the Council are as follows:

1. To ensure the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary.
2. To implement the emirate's vision and strategy for the advancement of the judicial system.
3. To reinforce judicial ethics.
4. To promote the principles of justice and uphold the rule of law.
5. To assess the efficiency of the emirate's judicial system in accordance with established international judicial indicators.
6. To contribute to the development of various sectors within the Emirate by delivering a fair and progressive judiciary.

The law deals with a number of legal articles concerned with final provisions and organisational and executive decisions.