The College of Law (LAWC) at Qatar University (QU) inaugurated the Qatar Law Review Symposium Series with its first event, “20 Years of the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar: Fundamental Principles."
The symposium featured distinguished speakers including Judge Nasser Al-Hajri, HE Sheikha bint Yousef Al-Jufairi, Member of the Shura Council, and Prof. Hassan Al-Sayed, Professor of Public Law at LAWC, with moderation by Dr. Hamad Al-Hababi, Professor of Public Law at LAWC.
Dr. Hamad Al-Hababi opened the session by discussing methodologies for drafting constitutions, highlighting the role of constituent referendums. HE Sheikha Al-Jufairi followed with an overview of legislative achievements, such as the enactment of laws like the Public Judiciary Law, the Public Prosecution Law, and the Retirement Law. She emphasized how the latter enhanced retirees' benefits, including salary increases and additional privileges under the new legislation.
Prof. Hassan Al-Sayed underscored the impact of recent constitutional amendments on bolstering national unity. He highlighted Article 18 of Chapter II, “The Basic Components of Society," which affirms that Qatari society is built on principles of justice, charity, freedom, equality, and good morals.
Judge Nasser Al-Hajri explored the constitutional framework ensuring judicial independence in Qatar. He detailed provisions that guarantee not only the autonomy of judges but also their rights and duties, as well as citizens' rights to fair trials. He stressed several principles on the independence of judges, namely the functional independence stipulated in Articles 129 and 131 of the Constitution, institutional independence in Article 130. Also, the external independence of judges and their protection from pressures that affect decisions are in accordance with the text of Article 131 and Article 134. In addition, he discussed the text of Article 129, which covers the impartiality of the judge when hearing cases.
The symposium marked a significant step in reflecting on two decades of the Permanent Constitution, providing valuable insights into its role in shaping Qatar's legal and societal framework.