Chief Justice of Dubai Cassation Court was ‘model for a just judge, his legacy will live on’
A leading judge on Dubai’s highest court, who died at the age of 76, was hailed yesterday for his “remarkable achievements”.
Chief Justice of Dubai Cassation Court, Dr Ali Ibrahim Al Imam, died on Friday after 30 years’ service to the emirate’s justice system.
A graduate of George Washington University in 1982, Al Imam rose through the ranks in his native Sudan, acting as a supreme court judge and president of the Sudanese Courts Administration.
He began dispensing justice in Dubai in 1988, when he was appointed to a panel of judges chosen to oversee the formation of the cassation court.
On February 8, 2010, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued a decree appointing Al Imam as chief justice of the cessation court.
He continued to carry out his duties despite requiring kidney dialysis for the last two years of his life.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, led the condolences for the influential judge yesterday.
Director of Dubai Courts, Taresh Al Mansouri, praised Al Imam for his knowledge, dedication and immense contributions.
“He played a prominent role in Dubai courts, and has become a model for a just judge,” he said. “He was one of those people who leave behind an unforgettable mark. His remarkable achievements, efforts, and legacy will undoubtedly live on.
“Al Imam was professional, honest, tolerant, and a well-educated scholar. A man
of modesty and a good interlocutor who had the ability to influence.”
The cassation court reviews legal decisions taken by the lower criminal and appeal courts.
Should an error be found, the case will be referred back to either the criminal or appeal court to be heard by a new panel of judges.
The court of cassation is the third and highest level of litigation in the judicial system of Dubai.
Each circuit of the cassation court is formed by a minimum of four judges and a presiding judge, and the circuits hear challenges filed on criminal, personal, labour, commercial and civil rights verdicts.