Moroccan Justice Minister Criticizes Professors' 'Shyness' on Law Practice, Questions Constitutional Court's Authority

Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi has voiced strong criticism regarding the perceived reluctance of university law professors to actively pursue their right to practice law. Speaking at a forum organized by the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at Souissi, Ouahbi lamented what he described as the professors' "shyness" in advocating for this dual role, contrasting it with the assertive lobbying efforts of the lawyers' syndicate. He believes that the legal discourse in Moroccan courts would be significantly enriched by the participation of academics, just as legal scholarship in universities would benefit from practical engagement with the judiciary's challenges.

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I am absolutely convinced that legal debate in the courts can only improve if professors participate, and legal science and thought in the faculties can only improve if they are linked to the courts, to their tragedies and problems.

Adding to his critique, Ouahbi took aim at the Constitutional Court, questioning the absolute authority attributed to its judges. He suggested that deeming the court infallible implies its judges possess a unique, almost divine, legal understanding within Morocco. This sharp commentary reflects a broader tension surrounding judicial review and the interpretation of laws in the country, where the minister seems to advocate for a more accessible and perhaps less entrenched judicial power.

The minister also shed light on the complexities and perceived inefficiencies within Morocco's legislative process. He pointed to the diverse ideological backgrounds of those involved in drafting laws, leading to protracted debates among ministers with differing worldviews. Ouahbi recounted an instance where he had to resort to "trickery" in parliament to pass a law on alternative penalties, highlighting the political maneuvering often required to advance legislation. Furthermore, he criticized the post-enactment practice of debating the "legislator's intent," calling it a form of "legal fraud" that undermines the finality of laws and allows for arbitrary interpretations, especially within the judicial system.

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The professors are 'shy' in this meeting... I believe that if they defend themselves, they will commit crimes.

From the perspective of Hespress, Ouahbi's candid remarks offer a critical look at the intersection of academia, the judiciary, and the legislative process in Morocco. While Western media might focus on the technical aspects of legal reform, our coverage emphasizes the minister's bold critique of institutional inertia and his call for greater dynamism. His frustration with the "shyness" of professors and his sharp words for the Constitutional Court reveal a desire for a more robust and engaged legal community, one that actively shapes and is shaped by the realities of legal practice. The minister's willingness to speak so plainly about legislative "trickery" and "legal fraud" is particularly noteworthy, offering a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes struggles of governance in Morocco.

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This sentence, this phrase, is the biggest scam in the field of law in Morocco, and the biggest disaster.