The Powers Of The Criminal Judge In The Evaluation Of Electronic Evidence Derived From Criminal Investigations

Abstract

The criminal judge has wide powers in evaluating evidence, as he can investigate the truth by various means and collect evidence without being obliged to prefer one piece of evidence over another. However, where certain types of evidence, such as electronic evidence, are prescribed as the only admissible forms, the criminal judge must comply with the conditions laid down by the legislature when accepting such evidence. These conditions serve as a safeguard against the criminal judge's deviation in relying on this type of evidence. The acceptance of electronic evidence is a relative matter that varies from one legal system to another, whether it is a Latin, Anglo-Saxon or mixed system.