Regarding matters outside the existing legal framework, I do not believe that requiring the ratification of amendments by foreign powers extends the rights of Europeans in Egypt. On the contrary, I see it as a cumbersome and difficult process that must be abolished to facilitate a different administrative system that ensures these regulations align with the religious laws they follow. Furthermore, the current system has not led to the adoption of legislation specific to one nation or a particular group of nations in Egyptian regulations, such as those concerning customs, irrigation, or taxes. Instead, it has resulted in legislation that is tailored to any desired purpose, regardless of its nature.

I will now address the composition of these courts. Firstly, in my previous annual report (page 12), I established the principle of judicial independence by advocating for the non-removal of judges. Secondly, given that the inhabitants of this country are foreigners from various nations and that Egyptian laws are derived from Latin legal systems, I believe it is essential to elect judges from different nations, particularly Latin ones. However, I would not advocate for the perpetuation of the current system indefinitely, especially after various nations have asserted their equal right to appoint judges from their respective citizens. Nor do I endorse the system of judicial appointment that grants the Khedive the sole right to appoint judges. The government, in this regard, had no say in the selection of judges. I see no justification for selecting most members of the Court of Appeal from citizens of the existing foreign powers, as I believe it is important to separate political interests from the administration of justice.

I trust that I have clarified in the foregoing that there is no cause for concern among those who fear that the legislative system I propose, being superior to the existing one, would necessitate the abolition of the various courts.

(b) Consular Courts

Given that all citizens of European nations, or those residing in the country who are under their jurisdiction, are tried in all criminal cases (with rare exceptions) before the consular judge of their respective consulate, and these courts rule according to their national laws, if the proposed project is approved and implemented, these consular courts will remain as they are until the European Consultative Council enacts a law that supersedes them, and the British and Egyptian governments ratify it. It is undeniable that the Egyptian government's first duty at that time would be to enact this law.

(1) The most common of these exceptions are bankruptcy cases. Similarly, cases involving those outside the jurisdiction of the Egyptian government. I have considered that if these cases are investigated, and if all of them are resolved, they will be heard in the various courts.