Justice system keeps evolving

Recent reforms within the courts indicate a healthy trend of modernity and flexibility

According to criminal lawyer Yousef Al Bahar, the country spends between Dh70 and Dh100 per day on each prisoner. Victor Besa for The National

The justice system has continued to develop with new specialised courts and, now, a more flexible approach to punishment. As The National reported yesterday, judges are increasingly choosing fines over prison terms to punish minor offenders. This follows October's sweeping overhaul of criminal laws, which gave judges the authority to determine alternatives to jail for many crimes.

This is a positive move that will remove a huge financial burden. According to criminal lawyer Yousef Al Bahar, the country spends between Dh70 and Dh100 per day on each prisoner. Cutting the number of inmates means that this money can be spent in other areas for the benefit of all. As Chief Justice Mustafa Abu El Naja said, some offenders don’t present a danger to society and don’t deserve a prison sentence.

Another form of punishment that is becoming more common for first-time offenders is community service. A recent example is the case of the Emirati who was ordered to clean Abu Dhabi's streets and public spaces for three months after driving recklessly and hitting a pedestrian. Such punishments benefit the community and can give offenders, especially younger ones, a new perspective and a sense of responsibility. Hopefully, it will make them more respectful and humble, and far less likely to reoffend.

This new sentencing flexibility is part of wider reforms in the justice system. At the beginning of this year, the UAE's first one-day court for petty cases was opened in Ras Al Khaimah. In the same month, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department announced the establishment of a tourist court dedicated to dealing with offences committed by visitors to the emirate, similar to the one established in Dubai in 2015.

While the judicial system has stayed true to the country’s traditions and its religious fundamentals, it has embraced modernity through its ability to accommodate changing dynamics and the unique nature of our society. Such flexibility and simplicity are needed in a country that hosts many nationalities and welcomes millions of visitors every year.