Article 129 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
المادة 129 من نظام الإثبات · الباب الحادي عشر: أحكام ختامية
The article provides that the Law of Evidence takes effect 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يعمل بهذا النظام بعد (مائة وثمانين) يوماً من تاريخ نشره في الجريدة الرسمية.
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 129 explained in plain English
This article sets the date the Law of Evidence begins to apply. The Law does not apply from the day it is published, but after 180 days have passed from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
How is the period counted? The period starts from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, not from the date the royal decree was issued. After this period passes, the Law becomes effective.
Connected to it is Article 128, which repeals Part Nine of the Law of Sharia Procedure, issued by Royal Decree No. M/1 dated 22/1/1435 AH, and Part Seven of the Commercial Courts Law, issued by Royal Decree No. M/93 dated 15/8/1441 AH, and every provision that conflicts with the Law of Evidence.
This article does not state the date of publication itself, and does not address the effect of the Law on cases that were pending before it took effect. Anyone who has a case and wants to know which texts apply to it in terms of time is advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in litigation and procedure.
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 129 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
When does the Law of Evidence take effect?
The Law of Evidence takes effect 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
Is the period counted from the date the Law was issued or published?
According to the article, it is counted from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
More articles on Burden of Proof and General Provisions
- Article 1
Article 1 defines the scope of the Law of Evidence, providing that its provisions apply to civil and commercial transactions.
تسري أحكام هذا النظام على المعاملات المدنية والتجارية.
- Article 2
The article requires the claimant to prove his right and gives the defendant the right to deny it, requires facts to be relevant, material and admissible, and prevents the judge from ruling on his personal knowledge.
1- على المدعي أن يثبت ما يدعيه من حق، وللمدعى عليه نفيه. 2- يجب أن تكون الوقائع المراد إثباتها متعلقة بالدعوى، ومنتجة فيها، وجائزاً قبولها. 3- لا يجوز للقاضي أن
- Article 3
The article sets general rules of evidence: the evidence is on the claimant and the oath on the denier, the function of each, and the difference between the force of evidence and of admission.
1- البينة على من ادعى، واليمين على من أنكر. 2- البينة لإثبات خلاف الظاهر، واليمين لإبقاء الأصل. 3- البينة حجة متعدية، والإقرار حجة قاصرة. 4- الثابت بالبرهان كال
- Article 4
If items of evidence conflict and cannot be reconciled, the court takes the one that is preferred in light of the case's circumstances, otherwise none, and must state its reasons in the judgment.
دون إخلال بأحكام هذا النظام، إذا تعارضت أدلة الإثبات ولم يمكن الجمع بينها فتأخذ المحكمة منها بحسب ما يترجح لها من ظروف الدعوى، فإن تعذر ذلك فلا تأخذ المحكمة بأي
- Article 5
The law does not require any particular form to prove an obligation, unless a special provision or an agreement between the parties says otherwise.
لا يلزم لإثبات الالتزام شكل معين؛ ما لم يرد فيه نص خاص أو اتفاق بين الخصوم.
- Article 6
The court gives effect to the parties' agreement on specific rules of evidence unless it violates public order, and such an agreement is not recognized unless it is in writing.
1- إذا اتفق الخصوم على قواعد محددة في الإثبات فتُعمِل المحكمة اتفاقَهم؛ ما لم يخالف النظام العام. 2- لا يعتد باتفاق الخصوم المنصوص عليه في هذا النظام ما لم يكن
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.