Resolution No. (3) of 2017 Concerning the Code of Judicial Conduct

المادة 1

Judges will act independently in performing their duties and will be answerable only to the law. The independence of the judiciary may in no way be prejudiced. No person or entity may have any authority over a Judge within his jurisdiction. No person, whether or not a Member of a Judicial Authority, may interfere with the administration of justice.

المادة 2

The dignity and reverence of a Judicial Authority rest on several foundations, foremost among which is the commitment to uphold the good image and reputation of its members, thus fostering trust among those seeking justice or protection of their rights and liberties. Therefore, it is incumbent upon every Member of a Judicial Authority to diligently perform his professional duties while adhering to the ethical standards of his profession, and to refrain from any actions that may discredit the profession. He must conduct himself in an ethical and respectful manner and preserve his dignity and reputation. In particular, he must: 1. maintain, except in cases prescribed by law, the confidentiality of the information to which he has gained access by reason of, or in the course of performing, his professional duties; and not provide any entity whatsoever with his opinion on the disputes referred to him; 2. not consider any dispute in which he, or any of his relatives up to the fourth degree, has an interest; which he has previously considered; or in respect of which he has provided opinion, pleaded, or acted as an attorney for any of the parties thereto; 3. not purchase, for himself or any of his family members, the object of the right disputed before the Judicial Authorities; 4. not become a member of the board of directors of any public-benefit association or foundation except with the approval of the Judicial Council; and 5. not conduct business; become a member of the board of directors of any company or private establishment; engage in any other profession or work which would reflect adversely on the independence and integrity of the judiciary, whether with or without compensation; engage in any political activity or provide opinions on political matters; stand for general elections; engage in sports professions; become a member of sports juries; or stand for elections to any sports position. 6. not deliver lectures or training courses in universities or judicial institutes, or in any other entity, without first obtaining the approval of his employer.

المادة 3

The Judicial Authorities are the guardians of all rights. They guarantee the right of all persons to fair litigation. Any act that breaches this principle is hereby prohibited. All persons are entitled to equitable treatment in judicial proceedings. Litigants are indiscriminately equal before the Judicial Authorities, and the right to defence is guaranteed to litigants at all stages of investigation and trial.

المادة 4

In managing cases, a Member of a Judicial Authority should be vigilant, insightful, attentive, sharp-minded, respectful of the rights of defence; and decisive in conducting investigations. He must not transgress against litigants by word or action, and must abstain from considering any case where he has a legal impediment or perceive prejudice.

المادة 5

A Member of a Judicial Authority must diligently conduct a thorough review and analysis of all case elements, engage in deliberations and objective discussions of his opinions, and form his convictions based on understanding and awareness.

المادة 6

Delay or unwarranted procrastination in determining lawsuits undermines the foundations of justice. The expedient restoration of rights to their rightful owners is integral to the proper administration of justice.

المادة 7

The actors in the justice system form a cohesive fabric that binds them together by mutual respect and goodwill. Thus, a Member of a Judicial Authority should perform his administrative duties in an organised manner, contributing to completing work as expected of him. He should seek to strengthen the sense of loyalty to a unified body among employees and promote team spirit, taking into account their various specialisations and competence levels; and should endeavour to create a work environment where each employee performs his role with responsible freedom.

المادة 8

The moral integrity of a Member of a Judicial Authority can only be attained when all aspects of his life are in order. He must distance himself from of any conduct that may raise suspicions.

المادة 9

A Member of a Judicial Authority must diligently seek knowledge and acquaint himself with the relevant legislation, international treaties, and legal principles; must keep abreast of the latest amendments thereto; and must be active in learning new developments that serve the cause of justice. He must endeavour to develop his personal skills, maintain continuous training and education, and attend the prescribed courses.

المادة 10

This Resolution comes into force on the day on which it is issued.