ABU DHABI // A mobile courtroom housed in a double- decker bus could be dispensing justice across the emirate.
On its lower floor the bus has a courtroom big enough to accommodate trials, along with the requisite judges, prosecutors, clerks and other parties.
Meanwhile, an office on the upper floor will provide administrative services such as registering cases, taking fee payments and answering public inquiries.
A touch-screen computer will also serve as an information portal.
During its first few months of service the bus will be used to spread awareness about the justice system.
It will be driven to schools, sporting occasions and residential compounds.
It will later serve as an official court and could be used for cases involving large groups of people living in one area, such as a labour camp, or that involve people who find it difficult to attend court, such as those with special needs.
It will also be able to serve more remote areas situated far from the emirate’s courts.
The novel idea is part of an initiative by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and head of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, to encourage government entities to upgrade and develop their services.
“Research studies show that people fear the mention of court,” said a speaker at a judicial department media forum yesterday.
"But courts are not always associated with negative cases – marriage contracts are processed in court too."
hdajani@thenational.ae
