The Use of Electronic Evidence in Divorce Cases Due to Allegations of Domestic Violence at the Pematangsiantar Religious Court
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59525/rechtsvinding.2058Keywords:
evidence; electronics, DivorceAbstract
The development of information technology influences the evidentiary process in divorce cases, including those involving allegations of domestic violence. Digital communications, photos, videos, voice recordings, and electronic documents can record relevant facts, but their use still faces issues of authenticity, integrity, and evidentiary strength. This study analyzes the normative provisions, evidentiary strength, obstacles, and solutions for the use of electronic evidence in divorce cases at the Pematangsiantar Religious Court. This research is a holistic normative study with a prescriptive-analytical nature using the Theory of Evidence, the Theory of Legal Certainty, and the Theory of Legal Protection. Data analysis was conducted deductively-qualitatively. The results of the study indicate that electronic evidence has a valid legal basis, but its evidentiary strength depends on its authenticity, integrity, relevance, and connection with other evidence. Decision Number 129/Pdt.G/2024/PA.Pst demonstrates a formalist approach by rejecting the strength of electronic evidence that is not supported by expert examination, while Decision Number 63/Pdt.G/2025/PA.Pst demonstrates a contextual-integrative approach by positioning electronic evidence as preliminary evidence that can be corroborated by other evidence. This difference demonstrates the need for clearer assessment parameters and proportional expert examination.
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