JEDDAH: The King Abdullah project for the development of the judiciary continues apace with the Ministry of Justice and other related bodies drawing up rules of jurisdiction for new courts planned to be set up and the procedures for their operation. The new courts include general courts, civil status courts, workers courts, commercial courts, district courts and traffic circuits attached to general courts. The jurisdictions of each court in judicial articles are currently being studied and are expected to be announced upon approval. Sources told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the draft for the organization of new court work procedures tasks general courts with looking at all law suits, legal cases, evidence, and issues under their judgment along with all issues that fall outside the jurisdiction of other courts, notaries public and the Board of Grievances. Also under their jurisdiction in the draft are real estate suits including ownership disputes or related affairs, damage complaints from realtors or beneficiaries, and other issues such as eviction, rent payment and joint investments. Their jurisdiction further covers traffic accident complaints and motor offenses stated in the traffic law. Civil status courts in the draft are tasked with all issues of personal status such as proof of marriage and divorce status, child custody, inheritance, child maintenance, visiting rights, wills and testaments, assignment of legal guardians, and assignment of representation in instances of illiteracy or incapability and incompetency. The sources said that workers courts would, if the draft is approved, be tasked with hearing disputes related to contracts, wages, rights, injury at work and compensation, and penalties imposed by employers, as well as dismissal and complaints from employers or employees whose objections to any ruling by authorities at the General Authority for Social Insurance have not been accepted. Their jurisdiction would also encompass disputes related to workers given sentences under the labor law, including government employees, and disputes arising from action through the labor and social insurance laws. The sources said that the commercial courts would be tasked with all trade disputes occurring between businesspeople and plaintiffs brought against the businessperson due to direct or secondary activities, disputes between business partners, and all complaints and violations related to trade laws, bankruptcy issues and legal competency.
