Literature Review: Law of Evidence of Medical Crimes in Indonesia Based on Law No. 8 of 2010
Keywords:
Medical Criminal Offenses, Evidentiary Law, Burden of EvidenceAbstract
This literature review examines the evidentiary law relating to medical criminal offenses within the Indonesian legal framework. The intersection of specialized medical knowledge and established legal principles presents unique challenges in substantiating culpability when medical interventions result in adverse patient outcomes. Proving such offenses requires a nuanced understanding of complicated medical procedures, standards of care, and a clear demonstration of causation, compounded by adherence to Indonesian criminal procedure, particularly concerning the admissibility and weight of evidence. The Indonesian criminal justice system operates on the principle of minimum evidence (at least two valid pieces of evidence) as specified in Article 183 of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), with Article 184 KUHAP delineating admissible evidence types: witness testimony, expert testimony, documentary evidence (including medical records and Visum et Repertum), indications, and the defendant's statement. The judiciary employs a free evaluation of evidence. Key evidentiary aspects in medical criminal cases include the burden of evidence resting on the public prosecutor, the critical role of medical records, and the indispensable nature of expert testimony. The Indonesian Medical Disciplinary Council (MKDKI) findings also play a role. Notably, Law No. 17 of 2023 concerning Health introduces significant procedural changes, mandating a recommendation from the relevant professional disciplinary council before criminal sanctions can be imposed on healthcare professionals, thereby formalizing the council's pre-prosecutorial involvement. This review synthesizes existing literature and legal frameworks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the current evidentiary landscape and identify areas for enhancing fair and effective legal processes for medical criminal offenses in Indonesia.
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