Dubai-based judge proposes tolerance section to resolve minor cases amicably

Dr Ali Al Galadari, Chief Judge of the Dubai Appeals Court of Misdemeanours.-Supplied photo

Hailing the announcement of 2019 as the 'Year of Tolerance' by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as yet another pioneering step down the path of distinction and excellence, a chief Judge at the Dubai Courts has called on everybody to be part of it.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr Ali Al Galadari, Chief Judge of the Dubai Appeals Court of Misdemeanours, suggested to allocate 'tolerance sections' at the police stations and public prosecution departments. "The initiative to open such sections, where minor offences, misdemeanours and some criminal cases can be settled amicably by reconciliation between the parties, will be rewarding in all ways. By embracing tolerance, plaintiffs and defendants opt to sort out their minor disputes, if possible, through reconcilement rather than registering a complaint. Everybody will walk out of it a winner, without going to court. It can extend for the years to come."
Dr Al Galadari stressed that tolerance is not something 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."
While amicable settlement is made available at the Family Prosecution, the Personal Status Section, and the Labour Cases sections at the Dubai Courts, the chief judge's idea is to roll it out in a more generalised way.
"The police stations have human rights offices. Enforcing such a (tolerance) system now would not be anything new, but 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.
Exerting tolerance even before filing a complaint
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 by others, 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 holding grudges over incidents caused by stress and circumstantial instances of impatience.
"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 and next of kin relations, and helping friends get back together, without the need for a trial," the chief judge emphasised.
While not downplaying the enormous advantages of such sections like case load will be reduced, and consequently time and efforts will be saved, he ascertained that the proposal has instilling of tolerance culture in people at its core.
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 the 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 more and remind the public more 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, takes the initiative to forgive and give a chance of a "changed behaviour'' to others by reconciling with them," he stressed.
mary@khaleejtimes.com