Legal Frameworks and Judicial Application of Digital Evidence in Malaysia's Syariah and Civil Courts: A Comparative Analysis

The rapid advancement of digital technology has transformed legal systems worldwide, particularly in relation to the admissibility and application of digital documentary evidence in judicial proceedings. This study aims to undertake a comparative analysis of the application of digital documentary evidence in Malaysia's Civil Courts and Syariah Courts by examining the legislative frameworks and evidentiary principles governing both legal systems. The study adopts a qualitative methodology based on documentary analysis of relevant legal provisions, including the Evidence Act 1950, the Syariah Court Evidence Enactments, and selected judicial decisions from both jurisdictions. The findings reveal that although both court systems recognise digital documents as admissible evidence, significant differences exist in their approaches to admissibility, evidentiary standards, and authentication procedures. The study further demonstrates that the integrity of digital evidence is increasingly challenged by emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies, which have the potential to manipulate digital content and complicate the authentication process. Accordingly, this study proposes greater harmonisation between the Syariah Court evidentiary framework and the Evidence Act 1950, together with the development of comprehensive technical guidelines for digital evidence verification and legislative reforms to address contemporary technological challenges. These measures are expected to enhance consistency, reliability, and legal certainty in the recognition and application of digital evidence within the Malaysian Syariah Court system.

Evidence, Digital Evidence, Civil Courts, Shariah Courts, Legal Harmonization

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