Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Justice Partners Forum organised by The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) under the theme “The Legal System and Litigation Procedures before Military Courts” has shed light on the international standards in military judiciary legislation and its operational framework, aiming to enhance the skills and efficiency of judicial and legal professionals including judges, advisors from the government cases administration, and lawyers, as strategic partners in supporting the quality of litigation, safeguarding rights, and ensuring justice.
Brigadier Judge Khalfan Khadem Al Muhairbi, President of the Supreme Military Court and Chairman of the Supreme Council of Military Judiciary, and Dr. Sayed Mohamed Hilal, Legal Advisor at the Military Judiciary, delivered keynote presentations. They highlighted the jurisdiction of the military judiciary, the types and composition of military courts, and the functions of the Military Prosecution and Judicial Inspection for the military sector.
Brigadier Judge Al Muhairbi underlined that the military judiciary is an independent and specialised legal body that works in parallel with the civil judiciary to uphold justice within the military community.
He explained that it has jurisdiction over offences stipulated in the Military Penal Code, including crimes committed against military personnel while on duty, offences within armed forces-controlled areas such as manoeuvre zones, training facilities, and military installations, as well as crimes against convoys and facilities secured by the armed forces.
He noted that the UAE’s military legislation reflects the best international practices and is fully integrated with the civil judiciary, offering a three-tier litigation system – first instance, appeal, and supreme – to ensure the highest levels of justice.
He further stressed the importance of specialised military courts and prosecution services, citing the unique nature of military life with its technical and administrative diversity, and the challenges the civil judiciary may face in addressing crimes within military units. He affirmed that the military judiciary is best placed to handle these specific requirements.
For his part, Dr. Sayed Mohamed Hilal, Legal Advisor at the Military Judiciary, addressed the international standards underpinning military judiciary legislation and operations, the status of military courts within broader judicial systems, and the legal provisions governing jurisdiction.
He also discussed the scope of military law after the end of service, stages of litigation, and the complementary relationship between the Military Penal Code and other laws.
Dr. Hilal emphasised that the UAE’s military judiciary legislation incorporates leading global standards and guarantees the highest levels of fairness and integrity.
