The Role of Means of Modern Technology in the Criminal Procedures in Jordan with a Special Focus on Electronic Trial

Abstract

In recent times, the legal field has not been exempted from the benefits of technology which has surged significantly. Countries have tended to benefit from using the means of modern technology in the legal field. It is noteworthy that the notion of regulating the use of means of modern technology in the criminal procedures in Jordan is relatively new despite its importance. The recent outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) has brought about a shift in the way justice can still be carried out, by way of remote court appearances in order to observe social distancing rules. Consequently, the use of means of modern technology in criminal procedures especially conducting electronic trial could be illustrated as an effective alternative under the current situation. This article aims to examine the extent the Jordanian legislations welcome the use of means of modern technology in criminal procedures. The advantages of using the means of modern technology in the Jordanian criminal justice system will also be examined. A combination of various approaches is used for the purposes of this research. This includes a critical analysis approach by analysing the current primary and secondary available sources related to the use of means of modern technology in the criminal procedures in Jordan. The critical analysis approach is also used to identify how the Jordanian legislations have dealt with the use of means of modern technology in the criminal procedures especially the Jordanian Regulation of the Use of Means of Modern Technology in Criminal Procedures. A comparative approach is utilised to compare traditional criminal procedures with criminal procedures that use the means of modern technology. A descriptive approach is engaged to describe the laws and practices in Jordan with regards to the use of means of modern technology. This article concludes that Jordan has made significant efforts to facilitate the use of means of modern technology in criminal procedures. This could be represented by enacting the Jordanian Regulation of the Use of Means of Modern Technology in Criminal Procedures. This article also concludes that the advantages of the use of means of modern technology in the criminal procedures supersede their disadvantages.

Keywords: The means of modern technology, Electronic trial, Criminal justice system.

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/96-13

Publication date: April 30^th 2020