From Translated Court Rulings to More Digitalized Legal Process: E-trials and AI

A while ago, Abu Dhabi courts took significant steps to eliminate language barriers and expedite justice, while also contributing to environmental protection.

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) introduced a new digital translation system aimed at enhancing efficiency in criminal cases and commercial cases.

This system aimed into translating court rulings into five languages, improving accessibility for those involved in legal proceedings.

The initiative was set to save more than 1,200 working hours annually and reduce the use of over 250,000 sheets of paper by streamlining the process.

In a first for the region, Abu Dhabi courts introduced mandatory English translations of verdicts.

This new system enabled written judgments to be translated from Arabic into English, Hindi, Filipino, Russian, and Urdu using an online translation tool integrated into the system.

By employing a standardized judgment document, the system not only cuts down the length of rulings but also minimizes paper use.

This innovation ensures that judges spend less time drafting verdicts, allowing for faster rulings.

Moreover, educational videos become part of the digital judgment package, providing guidance on how to appeal rulings and enforce judgments based on the case type.

Verdicts can be accessed through the ADJD website, its mobile app, or by visiting any of its centers across the emirate.

This comprehensive approach not only accelerates the judicial process but also emphasizes the department’s commitment to sustainability and transparency.

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What is the smart transformation of the judicial system?

In an effort to accelerate court proceedings, the Ministry of Justice had, by May 2015, transitioned 95 percent of its services to electronic platforms.

These eServices are designed to streamline various aspects of legal processes, including the ability to check the status of cases and view hearing schedules online.

In addition, several key services have been made available, such as:

eSessions
Lawyer search engines
eNotary public services
eFiling
eMarriage
eRefunds

The Case Management System (CMS),also plays a pivotal role in this digital transformation by enabling the electronic filing of documents, reducing delays in civil court cases, and improving overall efficiency.

As it ensures that information is more readily accessible to all involved parties.

Moreover, the Ministry of Justice launched the legislations ePortal, which provides access to legal texts in both Arabic and English.

This portal contains all general legal texts published in the Official Gazette since the UAE’s establishment in 1971. Additionally, it offers access to:

UAE legislation (in Arabic)
UAE laws (in English)
UAE High Court case decisions, covering both civil and criminal matters
Consultations from the Department of Consultations (Fatwa) and Legislation of the Ministry of Justice.
International treaties signed and ratified by the UAE, organized by country and subject.

Local judicial departments have also embraced eServices, allowing litigants and legal professionals to easily access information regarding cases and legal procedures.

This move towards digitalization has significantly enhanced the accessibility and efficiency of the UAE’s judicial system.

How does digitization improve UAE legal procedures?

The UAE’s digital strategy signifies more than just the integration of technology; it marks a transformative approach to legal processes.

Check our information technology services and regulations dubai

From initiating cases to managing court hearings and handling documents, the strategy envisions a fully digital legal ecosystem that ensures efficiency and accessibility at every stage.

Leading this digital transformation, the Ministry of Justice has introduced a wide array of online services, making legal procedures more convenient for both citizens and businesses. These services include:

Case Inquiries

Track the status of ongoing legal cases with ease

Document Verification

Authenticate legal documents electronically

Legal Consultations

Schedule and conduct consultations with legal professionals remotely

Examples in AI liability in the UAE Legal System

Criminal Liability

The UAE Penal Code holds companies liable if their AI systems commit criminal acts, based on *actus reus* (act) and *mens rea* (intent).

AI’s autonomous actions raise questions about accountability, requiring updates to legal principles.

Civil Liability

Under UAE Civil Transactions Law, controllers of AI systems may be liable for harm caused by improper management.

Current laws cover harmful acts and contract obligations, but more explicit AI regulations are needed.

Antitrust and Competition Laws

The UAE Competition Law can apply to AI-driven issues. Article 5 addresses anti-competitive agreements, and Article 6 covers the abuse of dominant positions, both relevant to AI’s impact on the market.

We have explained each of the liability with further details in the following article: uae ai regulations

Final Words

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the legal landscape, establishing clear liability frameworks is essential

And simply put, the UAE’s commitment to modernization positions its legal system to effectively address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies.

What you need is having next to you one of the best lawyers in dubai, who are up to date, and know how to address your needs efficiently and effectively.

Contact Khairallah Advocates & Legal Consultants and benefit from our free 30-min legal consultation.

*Disclaimer: our blogs, law updates and FAQ’s are freely distributed for educational purposes and to showcase recent updates and regulations in the UAE’s framework.

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