Dubai Judicial Institute organises forum to build stronger judiciary-media relations

Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI), a leading centre for legal studies and judicial training in Dubai, and a member of the General Network for Government Communication, has initiated in-depth discussions on the relationship between the judiciary and media and its role in ensuring comprehensive development at all levels. The discussions are being held on the sidelines of the "Judiciary and Media Forum”, which began today (February 26, 2012) at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. The two-day forum is being attended by Dubai Courts, Public Prosecution,  Department of Legal Affairs, Government of Dubai, Dubai eGovernment and a number of major news and media organizations.

Dr. Jamal Hussein Al Sumaiti, Director General, DJI, explained that the “Judiciary and Media Forum" is being organised in line with DJI’s firm belief in the power of strong relations between judiciary and the media. He emphasised DJI’s commitment to provide an integrated platform to enable communication between judges and media and jointly discuss strategies to contribute towards greater judiciary-media relations. Al Sumaiti stressed that the Forum positions UAE as a country that strongly promotes values of security, integrity, transparency, freedom, safeguarding of human rights and building a safe community based on integrated systems and legislations and in adherence to best practices and international standards, so as to effectively meet local needs.

“The forum has attracted wide participation from members of the judiciary in the UAE, media institutions, Dubai Press Club, Dubai Courts, Public Prosecution, Dubai Police and the Department of Legal Affairs. This participation confirms the importance of the event as a platform to enhance cooperation and coordination with the concerned authorities in the judicial system and media, and intensify joint efforts, ensure safety, security, justice and freedom in line with the vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and their highnesses rulers of the emirates,” Al Sumaiti added.

The “Judiciary and Media Forum” is highlighting several issues such as media coverage of the judiciary, professional and ethical controls of media coverage, the balance between press freedom and  sovereignty of the judiciary, ensuring a fair trial in light of the evolution of media, media and the invasion of privacy, new media technologies and their impact on judicial rulings, the role of judges, lawyers and media in addressing the issues of society, as well as jurisdiction in cases of published materials and its relationship to freedom of expression. The Forum will conclude with the submission of a set of recommendations to strengthen media-judiciary relations.

The Dubai Judicial Institute was established in 1996 to help educate and train aspiring judges, prosecutors and their assistants, legal experts and lawyers. DJI also offers habilitation programs for public prosecutors to enhance their efficiency. The Institute provides training and consultancy services to various public and private sector agencies and institutions and conducts local, regional and global research and studies on all areas of law and jurisdiction.