Artificial Intelligence in Judiciary: Sharjah Adopts Governance Guide

The Sharjah Judicial Council, at its meeting on Thursday morning chaired by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Council, approved a guide on the governance of the management and use of artificial intelligence technologies in the judicial system, as well as the establishment of a specialised prosecution office and court for municipal and environmental affairs, and a new uniform for members of the judiciary.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Judicial Council, chaired the Judicial Council meeting this Thursday morning at the headquarters of the Sharjah Judicial Department.

His Highness congratulated the members of the Judicial Council, members of the judiciary and administrative staff on the start of the new judicial year, wishing them success in carrying out their duties and in continuing their work in the service of justice and the rule of law, in a way that strengthens the standing of the judicial system and its role in serving society.

His Highness praised the achievements and progress made in the judicial system in the Emirate of Sharjah during the previous period, commending the efforts of the members of the judiciary and the dedication and responsibility they have shown in performing their duties, and stressing the importance of continuing to develop performance and raise the level of judicial services in line with the emirate’s aspirations and to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system.

During the meeting, the Council discussed a number of items on its agenda concerning judicial and administrative developments, and explored ways to enhance performance and develop the procedures and services provided to customers, contributing to the achievement of justice and supporting the continuous development of the judicial system in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The Council approved the guide on the governance of the management and use of artificial intelligence technologies in the judicial system, providing a unified institutional framework for the controlled and safe expansion of the use of these technologies, in keeping with technological developments and supporting efforts to develop judicial and administrative work. The guide includes an integrated system for governing AI use cases, risk management, data protection, strengthening cybersecurity and ensuring human oversight of the use of these technologies.

The guide also regulates the life cycle of AI systems and monitoring and audit mechanisms, and sets specific controls and standards for their use in judicial fields, ensuring the protection of rights and legal safeguards and enhancing the quality and efficiency of judicial and administrative services, in addition to establishing a responsible and safe approach to the use of modern technologies that supports the reliability of AI use and maximises its benefits in developing the judicial system.

The Council approved the establishment of a specialised prosecution office and court for municipal and environmental affairs, with the aim of developing the specialised judiciary and enhancing the efficiency of handling related cases, contributing to faster procedures and higher-quality judicial work. The approval comes as part of the Judicial Council’s efforts to develop the judicial system in the Emirate of Sharjah, strengthen its readiness for future transformations, and establish a justice system that combines efficiency, specialisation and technological development.

The Council also approved a new uniform for members of the judiciary, reflecting the standing and institutional identity of the judicial authority and embodying the high regard and esteem it enjoys in society. The new uniform was approved as part of efforts to promote a unified institutional appearance and highlight the official and professional character of members of the judiciary, in keeping with the nature of their duties and responsibilities.

Source: Sharjah24