Paradigm Shift in Evaluation of Digital Evidence in the Angolan Criminal Justice System

This research paper delves into the dynamic realm of digital evidence within the Republic of Angola, examining its recent evolution against the backdrop of technological advancements and legal transformations. As technology continues to permeate Angolan society, driven by government initiatives aimed at enhancing Internet accessibility and bolstering digital infrastructure, novel challenges and opportunities arise for both legal practitioners and criminal investigators. This study investigates the complexities encountered by judicial and criminal justice systems in adapting to a paradigm shift in Angola, despite the enactment of new legislative frameworks, such as the Penal/Criminal Code (Law 38/20) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Law 39/20). In addition, it scrutinizes pivotal policies like the Information and Communications Technology Policy (Presidential Decree no. 129/19) and the establishment of ‘National Directorate of Cybersecurity Policies and Digital Services’ (Presidential Decree no. 166/20), along with the 2021 Draft of Angola’s 1st National Strategy on Cybersecurity. Ethical, social, and legal ramifications stemming from the proliferation of digital evidence are also explored, including challenges pertaining to evidence collection, analysis, and admissibility at a court. Moreover, this research assesses the challenges and difficulties facing the judiciary today in upholding both the integrity and authenticity of digital evidence amidst evolving technological landscapes. Through the critical analysis and a questionnaire survey, this study aims to furnish a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues related to digital evidence in Angola, thus pinpointing avenues for future exploration and proposing enhancements to the evolving legal framework.