Article 84 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
المادة 84 من نظام الإثبات · الفصل الأول: القرائن
Presumptions provided for by Sharia or by law spare the person in whose favor they are established from any other means of proof, and the other side may rebut them by any means unless a provision says otherwise.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
القرائن المنصوص عليها شرعاً أو نظاماً تغني من قررت لمصلحته عن أي طريق آخر من طرق الإثبات، على أنه يجوز نقض دلالتها بأي طريق آخر؛ ما لم يوجد 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 84 explained in plain English
This article deals with statutory presumptions, meaning presumptions established by Sharia or by law in an express provision, and sets out their effect on proof:
- First effect – no need for other proof: the person in whose favor the presumption is established does not need any other means of proof; the presumption alone is enough.
- Second effect – it can be rebutted: the other party may rebut the presumption by any other means of proof.
- Exception: rebuttal is not allowed if a provision says otherwise.
In practical terms: the person in whose favor it is established need only rely on it, and it falls to the opponent, if he wishes, to prove the opposite of what it indicates, unless a provision prevents that.
The article does not list the presumptions provided for; it sets out their general rule, and each presumption is to be found in the Sharia or legal provision that established it.
These presumptions differ from those the court infers: Article 85 provides that the court may infer other presumptions in cases where proof by witness testimony is allowed, provided it explains how they point to the fact, and it may use scientific means for that purpose.
Anyone who wants to know whether a statutory presumption helps or hurts them in a particular dispute is advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in civil litigation.
Practical example
A party in a case relied on a presumption established by a legal provision in his favor, so he did not need to produce additional witnesses or documents to prove what it indicates. His opponent, however, presented evidence proving the opposite of what the presumption indicates; this is permitted unless a provision prevents rebutting 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 84 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
Is a legal presumption enough to prove a right?
Yes. Presumptions provided for by Sharia or by law spare the person in whose favor they are established from any other means of proof.
Can a presumption be rebutted?
Its effect may be rebutted by any other means of proof, unless a provision says otherwise.
What is the difference between a statutory presumption and a judicial presumption?
A statutory presumption is established by Sharia or by law, while a judicial presumption is one the court infers under Article 85 in cases where proof by witness testimony is allowed.
More articles on Presumptions, Custom and Res Judicata
- Article 85
The article allows the court to infer other presumptions in matters provable by witness testimony, explaining how they point to the fact, and to use scientific means for that purpose.
1- للمحكمة أن تستنبط قرائن أخرى للإثبات، وذلك في الأحوال التي يجوز فيها الإثبات بالشهادة؛ على أن تبين وجه دلالتها. 2- للمحكمة الاستعانة بالوسائل العلمية في استن
- Article 86
The article provides that judgments that have acquired the force of res judicata are conclusive on what they decided and no evidence may be accepted to undo this, provided the parties, their capacities, and the right in object and cause are the same; the court applies it of its own motion.
الأحكام التي حازت حجية الأمر المقضي حجةٌ فيما فصلت فيه من الحقوق، ولا يجوز قبول دليل ينقض هذه الحجية. ولا تكون لتلك الأحكام هذه الحجية إلا في نزاع قام بين الخصو
- Article 87
The court is bound by a criminal judgment related to the case before it only on the facts it decided where that decision was necessary, and by an acquittal only if it rested on denying that the act is attributable to the accused.
لا تتقيد المحكمة بالحكم الجزائي المرتبط بالدعوى المعروضة عليها إلا في الوقائع التي فصل فيها ذلك الحكم، وكان فصله فيها ضرورياً، ومع ذلك لا تتقيد بالحكم الصادر بع
- Article 88
The article allows proof by custom or by the usual course of dealing between the parties, where no special provision or agreement between the parties applies and the custom does not contradict public order.
يجوز الإثبات بالعرف، أو العادة بين الخصوم، وذلك فيما لم يرد فيه نص خاص أو اتفاق بين الأطراف أو فيما لا يخالف النظام العام.
- Article 89
The article requires whoever relies on custom or the usual course of dealing between the parties to prove its existence at the time of the incident, and allows any party to challenge its proof and counter it with something stronger.
1- على من يتمسك بالعرف أو العادة بين الخصوم أن يثبت وجودهما وقت الواقعة. 2- لأي من الخصوم الطعن في ثبوت العرف أو العادة بين الخصوم، كما أن لهم معارضتهما بما هو
- Article 90
The article provides that, in case of conflict, the usual course of dealing between the parties and special custom take priority over general custom.
تقدم العادة بين الخصوم والعرف الخاص على العرف العام عند التعارض.
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.