Abdulrahman Al-Zuhayyan in his article, “Saudi legal system and outside world” (May 11) has very rightly explained the Saudi legal system and underlined the fact that it is not very different when compared to the legal systems of other countries. Judicial systems have evolved and will keep evolving from practice in all jurisdictions. However, they will never deviate widely from the universally accepted common principles of justice, and the same applies to Saudi Arabia.
For instance, Shariah does provide for the much-touted principle of tort, but at the same time, ensures that it does not result in exploitation in the name of anticipated losses or damages.
I believe the erroneous perception or misconception about the Saudi legal system stems from ignorance of the general public outside Saudi Arabia who are continuously influenced by the biased media.
The judicial reforms which were initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah a few years ago have brought about substantial changes in the implementation of the justice system and have improvised the physical infrastructure of the courts to a great extent. It will continue to bring changes in expediting the disposal of cases, especially the labor cases where expatriates who lack the means and resources to stay longer in the Kingdom are involved.
The challenging task of implementation or execution of judgment will be eased by the decree which entrusts the power with a separate judge to order strict enforcement of the judgment through the administrative authorities.
The arbitration law which was revised and enacted last year reflects total openness of the judicial system and provides full freedom to parties to conduct the arbitration in the manner they deem fit and that includes the freedom to have the proceedings under the rules of other organizations or even have them conducted outside the country.
As the writer has suggested, there is a need for publicizing the principles of equity and justice around which the Saudi legal system revolves. All important laws and regulations need to be translated into English and other widely spoken languages and they should be uploaded on different governmental portals and distributed to the governmental agencies and chambers of commerce of different jurisdictions. — Safi H. Jannaty,
Dammam
Saudi legal system
