Syria Ministry of Justice Launches Mobile Courts Project
The Syrian Ministry of Justice has issued a new decision to regulate the operation of “mobile courts,” a project designed to enhance judicial performance and simplify access to legal services for citizens. This initiative aims to expedite the processing of judicial, probate, and documentation transactions, particularly in remote regions or areas where residents face difficulty reaching main courthouse facilities.
The Ministry stated that the mobile courts will serve as a vital tool to reduce the burden of travel and follow-ups for citizens. By focusing on areas where geographic or social circumstances require direct judicial intervention, the Ministry seeks to modernize the judicial system. The strategy includes promoting the use of electronic tools and technical connectivity to ensure that essential legal services are provided continuously and efficiently.
From a legal and procedural perspective, a mobile court is defined as a judicial unit affiliated with an established court. It holds the authority to exercise specific judicial or documentation competencies outside the original court’s premises, while remaining within its defined territorial jurisdiction. The Ministry clarified that these units do not possess independent legal personality or administrative and judicial autonomy. Instead, they operate strictly in the name of and on behalf of the original court. Furthermore, these mobile units do not constitute a new level of litigation, nor do they alter the established rules regarding subject-matter or territorial jurisdiction.
Regarding the criteria for the distribution and allocation of these courts, the Ministry’s decision stipulates that several core factors will be considered. These include population density, geographic distance from permanent courthouses, the availability of transportation, the volume of service demand, and emergency conditions. Each mobile court is strictly committed to the scope of authority defined in its allocation order. Transactions that fall outside these specific competencies will be referred to the appropriate judicial authorities to ensure the rights of litigants are protected.
This initiative follows previous efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Justice in May to advance digital transformation. Specifically, the Ministry adopted electronic notification methods as an official mechanism, holding equal status to traditional methods. This step is intended to accelerate litigation procedures and reduce timeframes, aligning with the broader goal of increasing the efficiency of the judicial system across Syria.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
