Doing business at the courts : testing a new tool kit for improving court services to the business community

An accessible and efficient justice system is essential for sustained economic growth. Specializedcourts, and in particular commercial courts, play an important role in ensuring effectiveness in the resolution of commercial disputes. This note seeks to outline the key features of an assessment tool that has been developed and used by the Bank to help the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) assess how court services related to commercial cases are being delivered and assess capacity and other impediments that may hinder more effective services, as well as provide targeted recommendations for improvements that are reflective of internationallyaccepted good practice standards and the local environment. Based on its success in Abu Dhabi, the tool kit is now being refined for implementation in Cairo and will continue to inform future Bank engagements with justice sector institutions.