The scope of the civil judge's authority in assessing the validity of written evidence (a comparative study)

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Published: Feb 10, 2026
Keywords:
Documentary evidence, discretion, challenge of forgery, denial of the deed, proof

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Zaman Fawzi Gatea

Abstract

Judicial proof aims to protect rights and ensure that their owners enjoy them. The theory of proof is one of the most important theories applied in courts, as it is not permissible to claim a right without proving it, otherwise it becomes null and void and thus devoid of any value. Among the tools of proof established by the legislature are written evidence, whether formal or ordinary. The role of the judge in proof varies. Regarding the legal rule, the judge is responsible for proving its existence, while the burden of proving facts falls on the litigants. Evidence varies in its legal value. Some evidence is sufficient on its own to prove the disputed right, as the legislature has given it full evidential weight. There is evidence that is not sufficient on its own to prove the fact, as the legislature has not given it full evidential weight. This is due to the failure to provide the evidence in a timely manner, rendering it incomplete and unreliable in issuing a ruling. This has led the legislature to grant the judge a positive role in the case. Through this research, we will examine the scope of the judge's discretionary power in assessing the validity of written evidence

Article Details

How to Cite
Fawzi Gatea ز. . (2026). The scope of the civil judge’s authority in assessing the validity of written evidence (a comparative study). MIsan Journal of Comparative Legal Studies, 14(1-2), 320–349. Retrieved from https://uomisan.edu.iq/law/mjcls/index.php/mjcls/article/view/533
Issue
Vol. 14 No. 1-2 (2026): Misan Journal for Comparative Legal Studies
Section
Articles

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ثانياً – الكتب القانونية

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رابعاً -المجلات العلمية

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خامساً -المواقع الالكترونية

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mail.almerja.com

سادسا_ القوانين

-قانون الإثبات العراقي رقم 107 لسنة 1979.

- قانون المرافعات العراقي رقم 83 لسنة 1969

- قانون الاثبات المصري رقم 25 لسنة 1968.

- قانون تنظيم التوقيع المصري رقم 15 لسنة 2004.

Sources

First: Linguistic Books

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- Muhammad Abu Zahra, Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence, Vol. 2, Bayt Al-Afkar International, 2009.

Second: Legal Books

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Fourth - Scientific Journals

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Fifth - Websites

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dd, [03/09/2025 03:22 م]

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Six-Laws

- Iraqi Evidence Law No. 107 of 1979.

- Iraqi Code of Civil Procedure No. 83 of 1969.

- Egyptian Evidence Law No. 25 of 1968.

- Egyptian Signature Regulation Law No. 15 of 2004.