Bahrain’s new Evidence Law Amendment aims to simplify litigation and adapt the legal system to current economic and social changes. The amendment focuses on facilitating daily transactions, especially for small-value disputes.
The proposal increases the threshold for evidence from 500 to 1,000 dinars, reflecting the rising purchasing power and the reality of modern transactions. This adjustment ensures that ordinary daily transactions can be documented and verified without unnecessary procedural hurdles. The amendment allows individuals to prove their rights using various means, including witness testimony, even in lower-value disputes.
The rapporteur of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee of the Shura Council explained that the amendment aligns with constitutional principles guaranteeing the right to litigation. By raising the threshold, the law now better reflects economic changes while maintaining fairness in judicial processes. This adjustment will reduce delays, simplify proof procedures, and enhance the efficiency of courts handling small disputes.
Many everyday transactions now exceed 500 dinars without written documentation due to trust or personal relationships. The Evidence Law Amendment legally recognizes these transactions and prevents procedural obstacles from blocking justice. It also aligns with international legislative trends that allow proof by witness testimony for higher financial limits.
Furthermore, the amendment supports the ongoing modernization of Bahrain’s judicial system. By facilitating small-value claims, courts can focus more efficiently on complex cases. A faster, clearer legal process benefits individuals, and the law protects routine transactions, boosting business confidence.
In practice, this update will streamline civil litigation, reduce unnecessary paperwork, and foster trust in the judicial system. It highlights Bahrain’s commitment to adapting legislation to current economic realities while protecting citizens’ rights. The amendment also strengthens transparency, ensuring that legal procedures are both practical and effective.
Overall, the Evidence Law Amendment represents a significant step toward a more accessible, efficient, and modern legal system. By simplifying proof procedures, Bahrain ensures that all citizens can resolve disputes fairly and efficiently, reinforcing confidence in the judicial process.
