Shari’a bar exam set

The Supreme Court building in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has scheduled the Shari’a bar exams on Jan. 19 and 26, 2014, it was announced by the court en banc in a one-page resolution dated July 2 and signed by Clerk of Court Enriqueta Vidal.

The high tribunal set the dates on the request of Secretary Mehol Sadain of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and on the recommendation of the Office of the Bar Confidant.

“The court resolved to grant the request of Mr. Sadain for the scheduling of the 13th Special Shari’a Bar Examinations on January 19 and 26, 2014,” the resolution said.

The tribunal appointed Judge Kaudri I. Jainul chair of the board of examiners.

Shari’a law practitioners, also called Shari’a counselors, litigate cases in the Shari’a district and circuit courts, most of which are located in Mindanao. Although they are recognized as special members of the Philippine Bar, Shari’a lawyers are not allowed to practice law in regular courts and may not use the title “attorney.”

Shari’a courts were created in 1977 to resolve cases involving Muslims that are covered by Islamic law. Cases include those on personal status, marriage, matrimonial and family relations, succession and inheritance, and property relations between spouses.

The first Shari’a bar exams were held in 1983.