Abu Dhabi courts are breaking down the language barrier to speedy justice — while helping to protect the environment.
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has launched a new digital system to translate rulings into five languages for those involved in criminal and commercial cases.
The department aims to save more than 1,200 working hours and use 250,000 fewer pieces of printed paper every year by boosting efficiency through the initiative.
Judges input their verdict on a template document, with plaintiffs and accused given a QR code to access the information.
The written verdict can be translated from Arabic into five languages, English, Hindi, Filipino, Russian and Urdu, using an online translation device linked to the system.
The use of a standardised judgment document will also cut down on length, meaning less paper is used when documents are printed out.
It will also ensure judges spend less time compiling their written rulings, while people involved in court cases will receive verdicts more quickly.
“The new system helps in achieving faster rulings; it saves time when the judge has a standard model to fill than when he adds his own improvised version, which could be longer than necessary,” said Abdullah Zahran, head of strategic planning and development at ADJD.
“For instance, there are verdicts that could be completed in five pages, but the judge could add unnecessary information that lead to 20 pages.
“So the system also saves a lot on the amount of printed paper that is used in court rulings.”
Educational videos will be displayed in the digital judgment package, including information on how to appeal rulings and the methods of enforcing judgments for each type of case.
Judgements can be accessed via the ADJD website, the department's app and by visiting one of its centres in the emirate.
