Weighing fairly

A recent remarkable decision by a court in south Amman made legal history when the judge who presided over the court ordered monetary compensation to a young woman victim of domestic violence, at the hands of her parents.

The women sustained physical and psychological damages that will mark her for life.

The judge rested her judgement on both national and international human rights laws.

Through her ruling, she created a precedent in the Jordanian judicial system that the country can be proud of.

The victim was supported in this judicial endeavour by Mizan Law Group for Human Rights, a civil, nonprofit organisation established by a team of advocates with the purpose of enhancing democracy, the protection of human rights and the development of just and humane legislation that, according to a statement on the group’s web site, also “aims to increase awareness of legal and human rights and thereby participate in international and Arab efforts to ensure universal respect for and implementation of human rights, and their underlying principles and values”.

It is hoped that the court verdict can indeed serve to raise awareness among judges, lawyers and victims of domestic violence that abuses cannot go on without effective accountability.

Members of a family, human beings in general, are not chattel; one cannot hope to abuse them without answerability.

People have to be treated like individuals with rights that have foundation in local and international legislation.

It is important to note that the court in question was presided by a woman judge who proved to be worthy of the trust placed in her to render justice.

One could only wish to see more such members in the judiciary.