The declaration of the implementation of the provisions of the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates was issued on December 2, 1971. Since that date, the first qualitative shift in judicial work began. The Constitution included a special chapter on the judiciary in the Federation and the Emirates, in Chapter Five, from Article (94) to Article (109). It defined the courts of the Federation, the formation of the Federal Supreme Court, its jurisdiction, the mandate of its judges, and its venue. It also defined the jurisdiction of the federal courts of first instance and referred many matters related to the judicial process to laws to be issued later.

Article (104) of the Constitution reserved for the local judicial bodies in each emirate all judicial matters assigned to the federal judiciary pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution. Article (105) added a statement of the approach to be followed in transferring all or some of the jurisdictions assumed by the local judicial bodies to the federal courts of first instance.

The Constitution also regulated the appointment of the Public Prosecutor and referred to the Judicial Authority Law the appointment of members of the Public Prosecution and the provisions related to them.

The Constitution has defined the general features of judicial work, beginning with the highest judicial authority, the Federal Supreme Court, and concluding with the authority of the Attorney General.

Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 was issued regarding the Ministry's jurisdiction and powers, as well as the laws amending it, and they are as follows:

  • 1Organizing and supervising the affairs of the federal courts from the administrative and financial aspects.
  • 2Preparing draft laws related to the federal judiciary, the federal public prosecution, and general amnesty for rulings issued by federal courts.
  • 3Undertaking studies, fatwas, and all other legal affairs required by the work needs of the various federal ministries, including drafting draft laws, regulations, and systems approved by the aforementioned ministries.
  • 4Preparing major legislative projects related to real estate ownership laws, expropriation for public benefit, penal laws, civil and commercial transactions, companies, procedures before civil and criminal courts, laws protecting literary, artistic and industrial property, copyright, and extradition laws.

Subsequently, legislation was issued that established the structure of the Ministry of Justice in light of the powers assigned to it.