A seminar titled Navigating the Evidence Act began today in Malé, bringing together legal professionals from across the country to explore the implementation and application of the Maldives’ recently enacted Evidence Act.

The full-day session, held from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Faculty of Education Auditorium, Maldives National University (MNU), is jointly organised by the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Academy and MNU.

Led by Professor Jeremy Gans, a renowned legal scholar from the University of Melbourne, the seminar aims to deepen understanding of the Act, encourage critical discussion on its implementation, and identify areas for refinement. Participants include prosecutors, defence lawyers, and other legal practitioners from across the Maldives.

From the seminar --- Photo: PG Office/X

According to the PG Office, the programme also supports broader efforts to build legal capacity and strengthen the justice system.

The Evidence Act, ratified on 18 July 2022 and in effect since 18 January 2023, establishes the legal framework for taking testimony, presenting and evaluating evidence, and defining the burden and standard of proof. It is a key piece of legislation underpinning the right to a fair trial, as guaranteed under Article 42 of the Constitution.

Professor Gans, who teaches Evidence and Proof in Melbourne Law School’s Juris Doctor programme, is widely published in the field. His work spans fact-finding in sexual assault trials, DNA identification, procedural rights, and standards of proof.