The Emirate of Sharjah has taken an important step toward modernizing and strengthening its judicial system with the enactment of Law No. 7 of 2025 on Judicial Organization. This landmark legislation, issued by His Highness Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, is poised to reshape the emirate’s legal landscape, ensuring justice, transparency, and efficiency in the administration of law. The law not only redefines the structure and functions of the judiciary but also sets forth a comprehensive framework for judicial independence, accountability, and service delivery. The law’s key features are both structural and procedural. It establishes the Judicial Council as the central authority overseeing the judiciary, with a mandate to guarantee judicial independence, integrity, and impartiality. The Council is empowered to set policies, propose legislation, supervise judicial bodies, and ensure the continuous development of the judicial system. The law also creates the Department of Justice, tasked with implementing strategic plans, supporting courts and the public prosecution, and managing administrative and technical services. The law will come into force on the 1 June 2025.
This alert highlights the key features and potential impact of the new law below:
Key Features of the Law
1. Establishment and Structure of Judicial Bodies
• The law establishes the Judicial Council as the supreme authority overseeing the judiciary in Sharjah, comprising key judicial and legal figures such as the President of the Judicial Department, the Attorney General, and heads of various courts.
• It organizes the judiciary into distinct bodies: the courts (including the Court of Cassation, appellate courts, and primary courts), the Public Prosecution, and the Judicial Inspection Department.
2. Principles and Guarantees
• The law enshrines the right to fair and equal access to justice for all individuals, prohibiting any actions that undermine this principle.
• It guarantees the independence of judges, ensuring that they are subject only to the constitution and the law, and protects them from external influence.
• The law upholds the right to defence at all stages of investigation and trial.
3. Judicial Council’s Powers and Functions
• The Judicial Council is tasked with ensuring the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, implementing strategic plans for judicial development, and overseeing the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judicial personnel.
• It is empowered to propose and review legislation, organise judicial work, and supervise the performance of the judiciary and its auxiliary bodies.
4. Organization of Courts and Public Prosecution
• The law details the structure and jurisdiction of the Court of Cassation, appellate courts, and primary courts, including the possibility of establishing specialised courts.
• It defines the organisation and powers of the Public Prosecution, including its role in criminal investigations, public interest litigation, and oversight of detention facilities.
5. Judicial Personnel: Appointment, Training, and Discipline
• The law sets out strict criteria for the appointment of judges and prosecutors, including qualifications, experience, and ethical standards.
• It mandates ongoing training and professional development as prerequisites for promotion.
• A clear disciplinary framework is established, including procedures for complaints, investigations, and sanctions, while also providing for the protection and immunity of judicial personnel in the exercise of their duties.
6. Administrative and Financial Provisions
• The law provides for the financial independence of the judiciary, including exemption from local taxes and fees (except for consumption fees).
• It outlines the administrative structure of the Judicial Department and its relationship with other government entities.
7. Transparency and Accountability
• The law requires the publication of judicial decisions and the establishment of codes of conduct for judicial personnel.
• It introduces mechanisms for public complaints and oversight, as well as procedures for the recusal and accountability of judges.
Potential Impact of the Law
The potential impact of this law on Sharjah’s judicial system and society at large will be significant. By consolidating judicial independence and clarifying institutional roles, the law is expected to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the courts. The establishment of specialized courts and the emphasis on continuous training will likely lead to more consistent, expert, and timely adjudication of cases. The law’s provisions for transparency, accountability, and public reporting are set to increase public confidence in the justice system, making it more accessible and responsive to the needs of individuals and businesses.
Moreover, the law’s alignment with international judicial standards and its focus on digital transformation and smart services position Sharjah as a regional leader in judicial innovation. The law’s comprehensive approach to judicial organization will also serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to modernize their legal frameworks.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, Law No. 7 of 2025 on Judicial Organization marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Sharjah’s legal system. By establishing a modern, independent, and accountable judiciary, the law not only safeguards the rights and freedoms of individuals but also contributes to the emirate’s social and economic progress. Its comprehensive provisions on judicial structure, personnel, and procedures are poised to foster greater public confidence in the rule of law and position Sharjah as a model for judicial reform in the region.
Key Contacts