Moroccan Doctoral Thesis Earns Top Honors for Comparative Study on Judicial Communication

Jawad Ghassal has earned a doctorate in communication with "very high distinction" after successfully defending his thesis on "Communication Strategies in Judicial Systems – A Comparative Study" at Ibn Tofail University in Kénitra, Morocco. The academic committee lauded his work with a recommendation for publication, recognizing its significant contribution to the field.

Ghassal's research tackles the critical issue of communication within contemporary justice systems. He argues that communication is a structural component of how justice operates, exploring the tension between the public's right to information and the judiciary's need for confidentiality, judicial independence, and fair trial guarantees. The study combines theoretical foundations with comparative analysis, examining legal systems in France, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Canada, Britain, and Morocco.

The thesis identifies three distinct models of judicial communication. The "normative discipline" model, prevalent in countries like France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, emphasizes legal centrality and procedural rigor. Official spokespersons act as institutional "shields" to protect investigations, the presumption of innocence, and the dignity of public service.

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Communication has become a structural component in the functioning of contemporary justice.

In contrast, the "interactive flexibility" model, found in Anglo-Saxon systems like Canada and Britain, features decentralized institutions and proactive media engagement. Local courts are granted broad authority to manage press relations through specialized teams, fostering an "open justice" discourse. The research highlights that traditional models, such as Morocco's, often show a gap between structural modernization and the absence of an integrated communication policy, struggling with logistical limitations and a conflict between classical reserve and modern digital openness.

Hassan Lachkar, Ghassal's supervisor and a professor at the Faculty of Letters and Humanities, described the research as "distinguished" and "unprecedented." He emphasized that the thesis posits communication not merely as an informational tool but as a fundamental element of contemporary justice, navigating the inherent tensions between societal demands for transparency and the judiciary's need for discretion.

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This work is distinguished and unprecedented. It carries special value as it addresses a primary topic that opens bridges between disciplines, centering on legal discourse through the lens of communication.