Lawyers object to court uniforms

RIYADH: The country’s lawyers have not been able to agree on a standard uniform for court appearances, according to the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC).
A member of the CSC’s national committee for lawyers said that the delay in adopting a uniform to distinguish them from other staff and agents has been caused by this lack of consensus. There are over 3,000 lawyers in the country.
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Falaj, chairman of the committee, reportedly said the uniform issue has been under study for two years. He said lawyers have different views on the matter, with some preferring special uniforms while others argue that an identity card is sufficient.
Al-Falaj said there has not been much support from lawyers for a standard uniform. There have also been arguments over what would be suitable for men and women.
The committee has decided to hold a meeting with the law department at the University of Dar Al-Hekma to discuss the design of the new court uniforms, and the possibility of introducing it soon.
Meanwhile, Al-Falaj has described the performance of women lawyers as “excellent.” He said they were diligent and hard working, and have not experienced any harassment by judicial authorities.
He said the new Saudi Commission for Lawyers would support Saudi practitioners to improve their skills. The commission, which is a financially independent body, operates under the supervision of the ministry.
Furthermore, a new set of regulations for the classification of lawyers and their professional grades was submitted to the ministry for action within 60 days.




The regulations call for a general committee to oversee elections in the first year for five members, three of whom should be main members to be selected by the general assembly, one a member of the general assembly, and one a representative of the ministry. Committee members would not be allowed to vote.

Lawyers licensed to practice law in the Kingdom may join as members after paying official membership fees. Membership is suspended in the event of death, disbarment, or failure to pay fees.