| 3.
The Judicial System
Prior
to 1971 a dual system of law existed in Qatar. While Shariah
courts had the jurisdiction, in addition to personal status matters,
to decide on civil and criminal matters, the civil courts received
miscellaneous summary disputes in accordance with equitable principles
of justice. Upon the application of the Qatari Civil and Penal Codes
in 1971, the jurisdiction of civil courts was extended to civil
disputes and criminal matters. Thus, there are now two main divisions
of courts namely Shariah with jurisdiction for personal status matters
and civil courts with jurisdiction for civil and criminal matters.
The judicial system in Qatar is divided into
two divisions: courts of first instance and courts of appeal with
plans to establish a higher appeal division similar to the courts
of cassation in other Arab countries.
4.
The Judiciary
Judges
are usually appointed by the Ministry of Justice from amongst graduates
of recognised law or Shariah colleges. Judges are assign to serve
in courts, transferred and promoted by the Ministry of Justice.
5.
The Legal Profession
While
previously Arab lawyers who were member of Lawyers Associations
in their own countries were able to obtain the licence to plead
cases in Qatari courts, now only Qatari lawyers can represent clients
in the courts. Arab or foreign expatriate lawyers usually serve
as legal consultants to Qatari lawyers. Some foreign law firms have
established associations with Qatari lawyers.
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