“We have linked the two Hail courts with the ministry’s computer network in Riyadh,” said Majed Al-Odwan, IT manager of the ministry.

He said all Shariah courts in the country would be connected with the ministry’s computer network shortly to speed up judicial process. “The system aims at preparing electronic copies of administrative and judicial works,” Al-Odwan said, adding that the system is linked with judges’ chambers.

The acceptance of a case and the court’s decision on it will be recorded electronically. The system will also compile monthly and annual reports as well as the schedules for hearings and court sittings. “The introduction of the electronic system will not only speed up judicial procedures but also preserve its privacy and security,” Al-Odwan said.

Saudi Arabia has embarked on $2-billion project to overhaul its judicial system and court facilities in an effort to streamline the legal process. The legal overhaul will lead to the creation of a supreme court, appeals court and a general courts system and will replace the Supreme Judicial Council.

The new supreme court will assume the functions of the present Supreme Judicial Council. In future the council is to focus on administration, which will include the selection of judges and the setting up of tribunals.