In a landmark achievement, Birzeit University’s Institute of Law (IoL) published on February 19, 2013 a book on the family courts in Palestine.

 

The book is one of the activities of the Building Family Courts Database project, implemented between January 2011 and January 2012 with support from the Representative Office of Denmark to the Palestinian Authority and in cooperation with the High Council of Family Courts.

 

The Family Courts in Palestine includes two research papers and a report. The first paper addresses the organizational structure, jurisdiction and status of ecclesiastical courts in Palestine. The other covers conflict of jurisdiction between family and regular courts. The report provides an overview of the organizational structure, formation and jurisdiction of Islamic (Sharia) courts, highlighting the working relationship between these courts and Office of the Chief Justice. The publication also includes a select collection of judgments entered by the Sharia Court of Appeals in Jerusalem and Sharia Court of Nablus. Comments on these judgments are contributed by renowned lawyers, academics and retired judges with experience in personal status and gender issues.

The Family Courts in Palestine delineates the jurisdiction of family courts as well as conflicts of jurisdiction between them. It assesses the Sharia court approach to certain cases. The book furnishes an authoritative reference text, which helps researchers compile interdisciplinary research papers that explore problems associated with the regulatory framework of public institutions. It also helps examine the relevant code of conduct and working relationship between public institutions and individuals. The code of conduct is one keystone in building a modern democratic state.

The Institute thanks all those who helped implement the Building Family Courts Database project and contributed to publishing this book, particularly the Representative Office of Denmark to the Palestinian Authority and the High Council of Family Courts.