New evidence law contributes to stability, predictability of judicial decisions: lawyer

Lawyer Hisham Al-Askar

Hisham Al-Askar, professional lawyer with extensive experience in commercial law and commercial contracts, said the adoption of the new law of evidence proves that Saudi Arabia has been on the right track towards developing its legislative environment, through introducing and reforming laws that preserve rights, establish the principles of justice and transparency, protect human rights and achieve comprehensive development.

The new law also improves the Kingdom’s global competitiveness through clear and specific institutional, procedural and objective references, Al-Askar said in a statement to Argaam.

This was also underlined by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman through Vision 2030, as Saudi Arabia became the fastest Arab regime to set a separate chapter for digital evidence.

Moreover, the lack of clarity about the rules governing facts and practices has prolonged litigation processes. However, the new evidence law will help fill a large gap in this regard, as it will be one of the pillars that contribute developing a regulatory framework for individuals and the business sector.

The new law will also contribute to the stability and predictability of judicial decisions. It will also enhance confidence in contractual obligations, and speed up the resolution of disputes, he added.

Al-Askar underlines that the new law gives a high degree of flexibility for the judiciary system, benefiting from evidence available outside the Kingdom.

The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, approved on Dec. 28, the Evidence Law.

The Evidence Law is the first among the draft laws announced earlier by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.