Women lawyers to handle family disputes: Al-Eissa

By MD RASOOLDEEN | ARAB NEWS

RIYADH: Justice Minister Mohammed Al-Eissa said on Tuesday that women lawyers will only be allowed to appear in court to defend women and deal with family cases.

“The Ministry of Justice will allow women lawyers to only take up cases involving family disputes, including divorce and child custody, subject to the implementation of a new bill,” the minister announced at a meeting held at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

He explained that women lawyers will not be permitted to participate in other court proceedings.

The meeting, presided by RCCI President Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, was organized by the RCCI’s Lawyers Committee headed by Nasser Al-Shuhaibani.

Al-Eissa said women lawyers are presently allowed to practice in specific areas and that the new vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has paved the way to extend this.

At present, women with law degrees can work in government and court offices, but cannot practice in court. Under the proposed system, women will, by simply presenting their IDS, be able to complete judicial procedures for the registration of properties and housing plans, the merging of real estate for different people, and the classifying of property ownership.

The minister also indicated that plans are under way to introduce a Diploma in Jurisprudence, which will assist members of the legal profession to keep abreast of the latest advances in the field.

He pointed out that under King Abdullah’s guidance, the judicial system will undergo a series of reforms that would benefit both lawyers and laymen.

He noted that the entire system will be modernized and that free legal assistance will be given to those who cannot afford to defend themselves in court. Under the new scheme, the right of defense will be given its due place in courts of law.

He described lawyers as partners of the Ministry of Justice, which is dedicated to upholding the Kingdom’s judicial system. He also requested them to respect the judiciary and help the ministry in the implementation of justice.

He commended Saudi lawyers who have performed well both in the local as well as international forums. “It’s a matter of pride to our country,” he said.

The minister also pointed out that his ministry intends to carry out an organized awareness campaign to educate the masses on the role of lawyers in society. People should know that lawyers are there to litigate their cases in courts of law.

The minister said that the campaign will be carried out in cooperation with the RCCI’s legal committee and will include seminars, conferences and workshops.

Ali Abdel Karim Al-Suwailem, chairman of the National Committee of Lawyers at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, presented a paper on the “Professional Ethics of Lawyers.” He said developments in the systems are of paramount importance to guarantee justice.

Comments

CHRISTINA MITCHELL

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Could you please tell me what harm would come to women mingling with men.

IMRAN

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Shariah says that "Women cant be decision makers but can be suggestion givers. Men should listen to their suggestions. If their suggestion is better, men has to accept it". Thats women's right. Suggestion givers should not press to accept their suggestion. After desicion has been taken everybody should accept. Everyting should be in Islamic way. Then put your burden on Allah (Thawakkul).

REEMMB

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This is a small step towards a new dimension for female lawyers in Saudi. The fact that ,we, female lawyers can only defend women and only in family cases is offensive in a way, nevertheless,as said before, one step at a time. Women in Saudi get really good education when studying law or legal studies and hopefully when the time is right we're going to prove ourselves and be as capable as men to serve justice in our community.

REEM BAKHSH

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Being a lawyer doesn't mean making decisions. It is about defending another and taking legal steps towards sorting disputes. Women are as capable as men to do so and allowing women to go before the court to defend other women will prove that they are qualified and become equal to men in this field.
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