Fast-track courts to deliver speedy justice

Justice Minister Dr. Muhammad Al-Eissa yesterday announced his ministry’s plan to introduce fast-track courts that would help cut down cases pending before Saudi courts by 30 percent. The new system comes into effect on March 2.
“This will be a major boost for the judiciary in terms of quick issuance of verdicts. People will see the result within a few days,” the minister said while speaking to a group of legal experts who prepared the executive bylaw for implementation of court verdicts.
“The bylaw gives judges powers to give final verdicts on cases without the need for seeking opinion of other judicial agencies,” Al-Eissa said, adding that it would bring about qualitative improvement in the judiciary in terms of closing cases within a short period.
He said the new system required preparation of judges and help them overcome any possible difficulties while implementing the system. “The new system will be a big success and everybody can enjoy its results in the coming months,” Al-Eissa said. The bylaw allows judges to seek the assistance of relevant authorities to implement the verdict. Those who carry out the verdict are not allowed to break doors or open locks without the permission of the judge.
Thousands of cases are now pending before Saudi courts. According to one expert, about 30 percent of these cases are related to family issues. Shortage of qualified judges is one of the main reasons for delay in verdicts and this shortage has reached 45 percent, said Dr. Saad Al-Wohaibi, a legal consultant.