Judicial System

Judicial System in Saudi Arabia
Fourth: Personal Characteristics:
Of the criteria to be observed even if not provided for
in the Judiciary Law is the personal characteristics of the
candidate that pertain to his appearance, personal integrity
and being religious as judgeship in Saudi Arabia is a Sharia
domain so those assuming that office must be religious
people – it is inappropriate to assume judgeship by someone
who is indifferent to the teachings of his religion even if he
is knowledgeable and erudite.
It is possible to say that criteria for selecting judges in Saudi
Arabia observe personal, scientific, ethical and behavioral
characteristics; this will have positive effect in the way
judges conduct their work with respect to trial procedures
and dealings with disputants. It is important to ascertain that
candidates to judicial posts enjoy characteristics; it is not
enough to believe that such characteristics are there, they
must be there.
It is a mistake to believe that form is more important
than content with respect to selection criteria; both must be
adhered to. Good manner, decency and good-looking are
important traits; this was the norm in earlier times, however
some countries do not give much attention to these matters,
but in Saudi Arabia is always very necessary in selection of
judges.
Even after appointment, if a judge misses any of these
traits, such may constitute a valid cause for dismissal as
selection criteria are perpetual even with respect to scientific
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