Article 108 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
المادة 108 من نظام الإثبات · الباب التاسع: المعاينة
The article allows the court, of its own motion or at a party's request, to order an inspection of the matter in dispute, with notice to an absent party at least 24 hours before, and to use an expert and hear witnesses.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- للمحكمة -من تلقاء نفسها أو بناء على طلب أحد الخصوم- أن تقرر معاينة المتنازع فيه، وتحدد في قرار المعاينة تاريخها ومكانها، ويبلغ به من كان غائباً من الخصوم قبل الموعد المقرر بـ(أربع وعشرين) ساعة على الأقل.
2- للمحكمة ندب خبير للاستعانة به في المعاينة، ولها سماع من ترى سماعه من الشهود.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 108 explained in plain English
This article regulates inspection, in which the court examines the matter in dispute itself, such as land, a building or goods, rather than relying on papers alone.
Who orders the inspection? The court, either of its own motion or at the request of a party.
What the inspection order must include:
- The date of the inspection.
- Its place.
Notifying absent parties: a party who is absent is notified of the inspection order at least 24 hours before the scheduled time, so that he can attend.
Additional powers of the court:
- To appoint an expert to assist in the inspection.
- To hear whichever witnesses it sees fit to hear.
The article is connected to Article 109, which allows a person who fears the features of a fact that may become the subject of a dispute will be lost to request its inspection and the recording of its condition by an urgent claim, subject to the provisions of this article. As for Article 107, mentioned in the context, it concerns the supplementary oath where there are several plaintiffs, a different subject.
Anyone who believes an inspection of the subject of the dispute could support his position may request it from the court. To assess whether that is worthwhile, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specializes in litigation and in civil and real estate matters.
Practical example
The owner of a villa in Riyadh disagreed with a contractor over the quality of the waterproofing work. The owner requested an inspection of the villa, and the court ordered it and set its date and place, notified the absent contractor at least a day before, and appointed an engineer as expert to accompany it.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 108 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
Do I have the right to request an inspection of the subject of the dispute?
Yes. The court may order an inspection at the request of a party or of its own motion.
How much notice must be given to an absent party about the inspection?
He is notified at least 24 hours before the scheduled time.
Does the court use an expert in the inspection?
It may appoint an expert to assist in the inspection, and it may hear whichever witnesses it sees fit to hear.
More articles on Inspection and Expert Opinion
- Article 91
The article allows the court, where necessary, to appoint an expert to verify that a custom or usual course of dealing between the parties exists, in accordance with the provisions on expert opinion in Part Ten of the Law.
للمحكمة عند الاقتضاء ندب خبير للتحقق من ثبوت العرف أو العادة بين الخصوم، وفقاً للأحكام المقررة في الباب (العاشر) من هذا النظام.
- Article 109
The article allows a person who fears the features of a fact that may become disputed will be lost to request its inspection and the recording of its condition by an urgent claim, with the possible appointment of an expert and a hearing set for the parties' comments on his report.
1- يجوز لمن يخشى ضياع معالم واقعة يحتمل أن تصبح محل نزاع أمام القضاء أن يطلب معاينتها وإثبات حالتها، ويقدم الطلب بدعوى مستعجلة للمحكمة المختصة وفقاً للإجراءات ا
- Article 110
The article allows the court, of its own motion or at a party's request, to appoint one or more experts to give an opinion on technical matters, with expertise suited to the subject, and to approve the parties' agreement on an expert.
1- للمحكمة -من تلقاء نفسها أو بناء على طلب أحد الخصوم- أن تقرر ندب خبير أو أكثر؛ لإبداء رأيه في المسائل الفنية التي يستلزمها الفصل في الدعوى. 2- يراعى في اختيار
- Article 111
The article requires the operative part of the order appointing an expert to state precisely his task, his powers, and the urgent measures he is authorized to take.
يجب أن يتضمن منطوق قرار ندب الخبير بياناً دقيقاً بمهمته، وصلاحياته، والتدابير العاجلة التي يؤذن له في اتخاذها.
- Article 112
The article governs the court's setting of the expert fee amount, the party required to deposit it and the deadline, the other party's option to deposit with a right of recourse, and the effect of neither party depositing.
1- تحدد المحكمة -عند الاقتضاء- المبلغ المقرر للخبرة، والخصم المكلف بإيداع المبلغ وتعين أجلاً لذلك. 2- إذا لم يودع الخصم المكلف المبلغ المقرر للخبرة في الأجل الم
- Article 113
The article requires the expert, before starting his task, to disclose any relationship with the parties to the case or any interest in it, failing which the court removes him and orders him to return sums received, by a final judgment.
يجب على الخبير قبل مباشرته المهمة أن يفصح عن أي علاقة له بأطراف الدعوى أو أي مصلحة له فيها، فإن أخل بذلك حكمت المحكمة بعزله وبرد ما تسلمه من مبالغ. ويكون الحكم
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.