Time-Stamping in Blockchain for Legal Evidence Submission
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63345/sjaibt.v2.i2.205Keywords:
Blockchain, Timestamping, Legal Evidence, Digital Forensics, Chain-of-Custody, Smart Contracts, Evidence Integrity, Legal TechAbstract
The digitalization of legal ecosystems has resulted in courts increasingly relying on electronic records, multimedia evidence, and machine-generated data to support judgments. However, the authenticity and admissibility of such evidence remain significant concerns, as traditional timestamping and digital certification methods often depend on centralized authorities that are vulnerable to manipulation, insider threats, or jurisdictional limitations. In this context, blockchain-based timestamping emerges as a transformative solution that leverages cryptographic hashing, distributed consensus, and immutable ledgers to create tamper-evident records of evidence submission. This paper investigates the role of blockchain-enabled timestamping in enhancing the credibility, transparency, and integrity of legal evidence within judicial systems worldwide.
Through a multi-layered research design combining a systematic literature review, quantitative statistical analysis of legal professionals’ perceptions, and simulation research on Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric environments, the study highlights blockchain’s practical, technical, and legal implications. The findings indicate that blockchain timestamping can strengthen the chain of custody, reduce reliance on costly intermediaries, and provide cross-border interoperability for evidence admissibility. Simulation results demonstrate significant improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while the statistical survey confirms growing interest among legal professionals, though tempered by regulatory uncertainty and privacy concerns.
The paper argues that blockchain timestamping is not merely a technological upgrade but a paradigm shift toward decentralized legal infrastructures. By ensuring transparency, fostering judicial trust, and facilitating global recognition of digital evidence, blockchain timestamping can serve as a cornerstone for legal innovation.
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