Journal of Legal Research

Journal of Legal Research

The Validity of Remote Testimony in the Context of Cyberspace

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD Student in Criminal Law and Criminology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Kangavar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kangavar, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.
Abstract
The adjudication process places great importance on maximizing the participation and presence of witnesses in court sessions, requiring suitable mechanisms to facilitate their attendance. Testimony (shahādah), as one of the most significant means of proof (adilla-e esbāt), holds a central position in case adjudication. With the rapid growth of technology, possibilities such as electronic evidence, testimony in cyberspace, and electronic litigation have emerged, as resolving disputes and evaluating evidence in a virtual context is a fundamental objective for modern judicial systems. Implementing such methods expedites proceedings, protects witnesses, enhances the efficiency of adjudicating criminal and civil cases, facilitates citizens' access to judicial services with minimal physical presence, and prevents procedural delays. Recent amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure have accordingly placed special emphasis on information technology and modern digital tools to advance electronic litigation. Its realization, however, depends on providing adequate cultural and technological infrastructure and improving public competency in using cyberspace. This research examines the foundations of testimony in civil matters and proposes a framework for assessing witness competence and the validity of testimony in virtual environments - a distinctive contribution compared to prior studies. The research employs a qualitative, descriptive-analytical method based on the logical analysis of natural data gathered from reliable sources, including databases, theses, books, dissertations, and scientific articles.
Keywords

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