PERANAN KETERANGAN PAKAR DALAM PEMBUKTIAN KES MAHKAMAH SYARIAH: ANALISIS BERDASARKAN QARINAH DAN MAQASID AL-SYARI‘AH

THE ROLE OF EXPERT EVIDENCE AS A MEANS OF PROOF IN SHARIAH COURT CASES:  AN ANALYSIS BASED ON QARINAH AND MAQAṢID AL-SHARIAH

Abstract

Expert evidence plays a crucial role as a means of proof in Shariah court cases, especially in the absence of syahādah (eyewitnesses) or iqrār (confession). This article aims to analyse the position and function of expert evidence as qarīnah (circumstantial evidence) in line with the objectives of Shariah (maqāṣid al-syāri‘ah), which prioritise justice, dignity, and the prevention of injustice. This study employs a qualitative doctrinal approach through the analysis of eight court decisions delivered between 1960 and 2023, alongside a comparative examination of the Syariah Court Evidence (Federal Territories) Act 1997, several state enactments, and the Evidence Act 1950. The criteria for case selection include evidentiary issues involving scientific proof such as DNA, forensic, or medical evidence and disputes concerning the probative value of expert testimony.The findings reveal that although current provisions such as Sections 33 and 34 of the Syariah Court Evidence (Federal Territories) Act 1997 recognise expert evidence, implementation remains limited due to procedural and legal constraints, including the absence of clear assessment guidelines and the uncertainty surrounding the probative value of qarīnah. The article proposes improvements to existing legislation through the standardisation of expert testimony requirements and the integration of the “chain of custody” principle from the civil law system. This study contributes to strengthening the evidentiary framework of the Shariah Court by harmonising Islamic legal principles with contemporary forensic practices and may serve as a useful reference for other jurisdictions applying Islamic law in enhancing the use of expert and scientific evidence within their evidentiary frameworks.

Abstrak

Keterangan pakar memainkan peranan penting dalam pembuktian kes di Mahkamah Syariah, khususnya dalam situasi ketiadaan syahādah atau iqrār. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kedudukan dan fungsi keterangan pakar sebagai qarīnah dalam pembuktian kes berdasarkan prinsip maqāṣid al-syāri‘ah yang menekankan keadilan, perlindungan maruah, dan pencegahan kezaliman. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif secara doktrinal melalui analisis lapan keputusan mahkamah yang diputuskan antara tahun 1960 hingga 2023, di samping perbandingan antara Akta Keterangan Mahkamah Syariah (Wilayah-Wilayah Persekutuan) 1997, beberapa enakmen negeri, dan Akta Keterangan 1950. Kriteria pemilihan kes meliputi isu pembuktian yang melibatkan bukti saintifik seperti DNA, forensik atau perubatan dan pertikaian mengenai nilai probatif keterangan pakar. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa walaupun peruntukan semasa seperti Seksyen 33 dan 34 Akta Keterangan Mahkamah Syariah (Wilayah-Wilayah Persekutuan) 1997 mengiktiraf keterangan pakar, pelaksanaan di lapangan masih menghadapi kekangan dari aspek perundangan dan prosedur, termasuk ketiadaan garis panduan penilaian dan isu kekuatan probatif qarīnah. Kajian ini mencadangkan penambahbaikan terhadap enakmen sedia ada melalui penyeragaman standard keterangan pakar dan integrasi prinsip “chain of custody” daripada sistem sivil. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada pengukuhan kerangka pembuktian dalam Mahkamah Syariah melalui gabungan prinsip Islam dan pendekatan forensik kontemporari serta berpotensi menjadi rujukan kepada bidang kuasa lain yang mengaplikasikan undang-undang Islam dalam mempertingkat penggunaan keterangan pakar dan bukti saintifik dalam sistem pembuktian mereka.