Article 65 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
المادة 65 من نظام الإثبات · الفصل الأول: محل الشهادة
The Article provides that the rule is that proof by witness testimony is permitted, unless a provision states otherwise.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يجوز الإثبات بشهادة الشهود؛ ما لم يرد نص يقضي بغير ذلك.
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 65 explained in plain English
This Article sets the general rule for proof by testimony: the rule is that witness testimony is a permitted means of proof, so a party can prove the fact he claims through witnesses who heard or saw what they testify to.
But this rule is not absolute, because the Article itself makes an exception: unless a provision states otherwise. If there is a legal provision that prevents proof by testimony in a particular case or requires another means, it takes priority over this rule.
One of the most important of these provisions is Article 66, which requires that every transaction whose value exceeds (SAR 100,000 or its equivalent) or is of unspecified value be proven in writing, and in these transactions witness testimony is not accepted to prove their existence or their extinction, unless an agreement or a provision states otherwise.
In practice, a person who wants to prove a right of his through witnesses must first make sure that the fact is not one that the Law prevents from being proven by testimony. Because that depends on the type and value of the transaction and the provisions that apply to it, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in civil litigation before relying on witnesses alone.
Practical example
Saad quarreled with his neighbor, and the neighbor destroyed his car in front of a number of the neighborhood's residents. In his claim, Saad can prove the destruction through the testimony of those who saw the incident, because the rule is that proof by testimony is permitted unless a provision states otherwise.
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 65 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
Can a right be proven by witnesses?
Yes. The rule is that proof by witness testimony is permitted unless a provision states otherwise.
Are there cases where witness testimony is not accepted?
Yes, any case in which a provision states otherwise, including what Article 66 provides regarding transactions whose value exceeds SAR 100,000 or is unspecified.
More articles on Testimony and Witnesses
- Article 11
Admission, interrogation, testimony and the oath take place before the court, which may move or assign a judge if that is not possible, and delegates the court of the place of residence if evidence cannot be taken electronically.
1- تكون إجراءات الإثبات من إقرار أو استجواب أو أداء للشهادة أو اليمين أمام المحكمة، فإن تعذر فللمحكمة أن تنتقل أو تكلف أحد قضاتها بذلك. 2- إذا كان المقر أو المس
- Article 12
A mute person's admission, interrogation, testimony and oath, and the directing, refusing and returning of it, are done in writing, or if he cannot write, by his customary gestures.
يكون إقرار الأخرس ومن في حكمه واستجوابه وأداؤه للشهادة واليمين وتوجيهها والنكول عنها وردها بالكتابة، فإن لم يكن يعرف الكتابة فبإشارته المعهودة.
- Article 19
A non-judicial admission is proved in accordance with the provisions of the Law of Evidence, and may not be proved by testimony except in cases where proof by testimony is permitted.
يكون إثبات الإقرار غير القضائي وفق الأحكام المقررة في هذا النظام، بما في ذلك عدم جواز إثباته بالشهادة إلا في الأحوال التي يجوز فيها الإثبات بالشهادة.
- Article 66
The Article requires every transaction worth more than SAR 100,000, or of unspecified value, to be proven in writing, bars proof by witnesses unless agreed or provided, and explains how value is assessed.
1- يجب أن يثبت بالكتابة كل تصرف تزيد قيمته على (مائة ألف ريال أو ما يعادلها) أو كان غير محدد القيمة. 2- لا تقبل شهادة الشهود في إثبات وجود أو انقضاء التصرفات ال
- Article 67
The Article sets out three cases in which proof by witnesses is barred even if the value of the transaction does not exceed SAR 100,000.
لا يجوز الإثبات بشهادة الشهود ولو لم تزد قيمة التصرف على (مائة ألف ريال أو ما يعادلها) في الحالات الآتية: 1- فيما اشترط النظام لصحته أو إثباته أن يكون مكتوباً.
- Article 68
The Article permits proof by testimony of what must be proven in writing in three cases: a beginning of written proof, a physical or moral obstacle, and loss of written evidence for a reason beyond the claimant's control.
يجوز الإثبات بشهادة الشهود فيما كان يجب إثباته بالكتابة في الأحوال الآتية: 1- إذا وجد مبدأ الثبوت بالكتابة. 2- إذا وجد مانع مادي أو أدبي يحول دون الحصول على دلي
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.