Understanding the legal framework of Ajman courts
Ajman, the smallest emirate of the UAE, operates within a unique legal framework. Its judicial system is integrated with the broader federal structure, which upholds the rule of law and ensures fair and just dispute resolution. Our guide to Ajman courts explores its intricacies, jurisdiction, legal principles and role in maintaining order and justice within the emirate.
OVERVIEW OF AJMAN COURTS SYSTEM AND LAWS
The judicial system of the United Arab Emirates operates at the federal and local levels. Under the local court structure, each emirate maintains its own independent judicial and court departments. Alternatively, the judiciary oversees the courts and departments under the Federal system.
The highest judicial authority is the Federal Supreme Court, as outlined by the UAE Constitution in Article 104. The article specifies that local judiciary bodies in each emirate have jurisdiction over all judicial matters not assigned to the Federal judiciary.
Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman courts follow the Federal court system. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah operate under independent local courts.
AJMAN COURTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
The Ajman courts available to the public at local levels are structured as follows:
- Court of First Instance
- Court of Appeal
- Court of Cassation at the local level
COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE
This court handles civil, commercial, administrative, labour and personal status disputes. In criminal matters, criminal courts (composed of one or three judges) handle misdemeanours, petty offences and felonies.
COURT OF APPEAL
Decisions from the Court of First Instance can be appealed to the Court of Appeal based on grounds such as jurisdiction breaches related to public policy, invalidity in the judgment, or procedural errors affecting the decision, as stipulated in Article 158 of the Civil Procedures Law.
In criminal cases, the accused and the public prosecution can appeal first-degree criminal court judgments. According to Article 230 of the Criminal Procedure Law, these appeals do not stay the execution of the judgment unless otherwise ordered by the issuing court.
COURT OF CASSATION
Appeals can be made to the Cassation Court against decisions from the Court of Appeal in specific cases. These cases include legal breaches or errors in interpretation or application, as defined in Article 173 of the Civil Procedure Law.
Public prosecution or the condemned party can challenge a Court of Appeal decision on a felony or misdemeanour based on similar legal grounds, detailed in Article 244 of the Criminal Procedure Law. These include contradictory judgments on the same act, void justifications, or insufficient or unclear reasoning.
APPEALS IN AJMAN COURTS
It’s important to keep in mind that decisions from the Court of First Instance can be appealed to the Court of Appeal. From there, decisions can be further appealed to the Cassation Court or the Federal Supreme Court under limited circumstances.
FAQs About Ajman Courts
WHAT IS THE AJMAN COURT LOCATION?
The Ajman Federal Court address is Sheikh Hammad Bin Humaid Street, Opposite Ajman University.
WHAT IS THE AJMAN COURT CONTACT NUMBER?
For queries, please contact 800-333-333.
HOW MUCH ARE THE AJMAN COURT FEES?
To calculate your Ajman court fees, please refer to the website of the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
WHAT ARE THE AJMAN COURT TIMINGS?
The Ajman Court opening hours are from 07:30 am to 02:30 pm. Fridays and Saturdays are off.
This concludes our guide to Ajman courts in the UAE. You can also explore the Dubai Courts, which follow a system different from Ajman. If you have any complaints regarding labour laws, you can file and track your complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. (MOHRE). You can also learn how to file a civil lawsuit in the UAE.
