May 19, 2010 Protocols and Memorandums
MoU between Ministry of Justice and The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the DIFC Courts
Purposes and Principles
1.The Ministry of Justice and DIFC Courts share many strategic objectives, including strengthening the community’s confidence in the judicial system; clarifying and developing judicial legislation within their respective jurisdictions; providing accessible and superlative service to litigants and court users, strengthening judicial cooperation at local, federal, regional and international levels; promoting the use of modern technology to improve efficiency and service; to concerned parties creating performance standards for judicial work; and attracting and developing talented staff.
2.The Ministry of Justice and DIFC Courts desire to enter into this MOU to provide basis for formal co-operation, including the exchange of information and ideas.
3.The Purpose of this MOU is to exchange ideas about Legal Matters and is not intended to modify or supersede any law or regulatory requirements in force in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Dubai or the DIFC.
4.The parties believe that the cooperation facilitated by this MOU will further enhance their mutual goals, vision and mission as well as achieving the followings;:
a) promote a mutual understanding of each other’s fundamental laws, procedures, rules, policies and ambitions;
b) enable them to more effectively discharge their responsibilities to provide efficient and independent judicial systems based on excellence that provides a world class judicial service;
c) encourage straight , open discussion, as well as the exchange of views concerning the legal and the judicial system, regulation of lawyers, ways of enhancing the development of legal and judicial aptitudes and other shared strategic objectives;
d) develop closer ties between the parties including mutual training;
e) encourage closer collaboration regarding Judicial, legal matters and execution of judgements;
f) quickness and facilitating the exchange of information about the use of information technology to improve the efficiency of the operation of the judicial system (for instance, managing the cases electronically) and enhance access to information in the Courtroom, for both the judges and the litigants (for example, recording proceedings electronically);
g) facilitate discussion about judicial issues, best international practices; and benefit from such practices
h) facilitate discussion about the use of awareness and education initiatives to improve public perception of the judicial system, and increase transparency and trust throughout the UAE and the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan, the Arab Countries and the rest of the world;
i) identify areas of collaboration for judicial training including the use of study trips and professional training;
j) allow for sharing of experiences in regard to the establishment and operation of small claims in a cost effective and efficient manner;
k) collaborate in the development of each party’s KPIs and identify areas of overlap which can be mutually solved;
6.Establishing joint committees between the Ministry of Justice and the DIFC Courts to provide recommendations on developing mechanism that would allow the exchange of documents between the courts in Jordan and the DIFC Courts in addition to any roles entrusted by the parties.
7.The Parties agree to draw up periodical review for this MOU , consult when it is necessary and resolve any matter that may arise in its implementation.
COMMENCEMENT AND TERMINATION
8.This MOU takes effect from the date it is signed by both parties and will continue to have effect until terminated by either of them by giving written notice in advance to the other at least before 30 days from termination this MOU.
9.Neither party will make any public disclosure or issue any press releases pertaining to the existence of this MOU or to the proposed collaboration without the written consent of the other party, such consent shall include the content of any such release.
10.Termination of this MOU does not affect obligations of confidentiality of information arisen under this MOU, that is this obligation , shall continue to have effect after its termination.
This MOU has been signed in Amman, On May,19,2010 , in tow identical Copies in Arabic and English languages, and shall come into force from that date.
Ayman Odeh The Minister of Justice The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Sir Anthony Evans Chief Justice Dubai International Financial Centre Courts
