Judge proposes tolerance section to resolve minor cases amicably
— Hailing the announcement of 2019 as the ‘Year of Tolerance’ as yet another pioneering step for the UAE, a chief judge at the Dubai Courts has called on everybody to be part of it.
In an interview with Khaleej
Dr Ali Al Galadari, Chief Judge of the Dubai Appeals Court of Misdemeanours, suggested that ‘tolerance sections’ be designated at police stations and public prosecution departments.
“The initiative to open such sections, where minor offences, misdemeanours and some criminal cases can be settled amicably between the parties involved, will be rewarding in all ways. By embracing tolerance, plaintiffs and defendants would opt to sort out their minor disputes, if possible, through reconciliation rather than registering a complaint.
“Everybody will walk out of it a winner, without going to court. It can even extend for the years to come.”
Dr Al Galadari stressed that tolerance is not new to the UAE.
“Our constitution is based on the tolerance principle. The UAE has always been a role model in tolerance, and life here is a clear reflection of that,” he said.
While amicable settlement is made available at the Family Prosecution, the Personal Status, and the Labour Cases sections at the Dubai Courts, the chief judge’s idea is to roll it out at a wider scope.
Exercising tolerance
Enforcing such a (tolerance) system would not be new, but it will serve as a reminder, a stimulant and encouragement for people to be more tolerant and patient towards each other.”
Dr Ali Al Galadari, Chief Judge of the Dubai Appeals Court of Misdemeanours
“The police stations have human rights offices. Enforcing such a (tolerance) system would not be new, but it will serve as a reminder, a stimulant and encouragement for people to be more tolerant and patient towards each other and make forgiveness more of a habit, a way of life,” Dr Al Galadari said.
The chief judge explained that people are very often inclined to resort to the police, for example, to complain about very common problems, such as a sudden overtaking on the road, during which some would lose their temper, act impulsively, and say words they would regret later.
However, with the tolerance culture, people will be willing to forgive others and let go of grudges over incidents caused by stress and circumstances.
“We have witnessed many cases in which complaints were filed due to road rage, insults or minor fraud or thefts.
“We heard cases involving family members and friends. If a tolerance mechanism is enforced, such minor offences can be dealt with by settling between the two conflicting parties, restoring family relations, and helping friends get back together, without the need for a trial,” the chief judge said.
While not downplaying the enormous advantages of having
such sections — like reduction in case loads and saving time and efforts — he ascertained that instilling the tolerance culture in people lies at the core of the proposal.
Dr Al Galadari added: “If such a system is put in place, minor misdemeanour cases and even some criminal cases will be remarkably reduced in number, and work load will be less at the departments.”
He reiterated that tolerance has always been embraced here, but with 2019 being the ‘Year of Tolerance’, police stations and public prosecution departments will activate it even more and remind the public about it.
“We can witness this happening at private corporations as well, where employers can have offices to settle the labour disputes ‘in-house’.
“The idea is that anyone, who thinks about complaining against others, can take the initiative to forgive and give others a chance to change by reconciling with them,” he stressed.