'Balancing judicial independence and accountability' seminar held at Ajman University by Welsh legal expert

Attending the seminar were Dr. Ahmed Ankit, Vice-President for External Relations and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Khalifa Al Shaali, Dean of the Faculty of Law, experts in Law from other UAE universities in addition to an audience of students.

After defining "judicial independence", the speaker tackled a number of related issues: What is meant by judicial accountability? To whom should judges be accountable, how should they be held accountable, and for what? And came to the conclusion that this principle is possible and applicable and is the guarantee to prevent the arbitrary exercise of power and to protect the human rights of citizens.

The questions raised by Prof. Kibble had been debatable by the addressees, especially on how to assure judicial independence, some of them see that the judge's consciousness is the real guarantee, while other considered it a matter of accountability mechanism which can promote public confidence in the courts.

Some students pointed out that judicial independence is a deeply-rooted principle in Islamic culture, gave some examples and wondered on the applicability of the international law in the new world order.