The Admissibility of Digital Evidence in Divorce Cases: Privacy and Ethical Challenges in Religious Courts

Lela Siti Nuraladin

Authors

Lela Siti Nuraladin Institut Nasional Nusantara Al-Farabi

Keywords:

Divorce, Digital Evidence, Ethics, Religious Court

Abstract

The transformation of communication technology has altered the landscape of evidence in civil cases, particularly in divorce disputes within Religious Courts. Digital traces—such as WhatsApp conversations, social media posts, and electronic recordings—have become primary instruments for proving grounds for divorce, especially regarding infidelity and severe marital discord. However, the use of digital evidence has sparked legal debates concerning its admissibility when weighed against privacy protection issues and the often non-procedural (illegal) methods by which such evidence is obtained. This study aims to analyze the legal standing of digital evidence within Religious Court procedural law and the accompanying ethical challenges. A normative-juridical research method was employed. The findings indicate that while the ITE Law (Electronic Information and Transactions Law) legitimizes electronic information, judges exercise strict discretion in assessing the integrity of such evidence. Emphasis on the ethics of evidence acquisition is crucial to ensure that the pursuit of substantive justice does not come at the expense of an individual's fundamental right to privacy.

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