Blockchain Evidence in Courts: Legislative Challenges

Abstract

The rapid growth of blockchain technology has introduced novel forms of digital evidence into judicial processes worldwide. Blockchain records—characterized by decentralization, immutability, and cryptographic verification—offer potential advantages in evidentiary reliability, transparency, and tamper resistance. However, their use in courts raises complex legislative and procedural challenges. Legal systems traditionally rely on identifiable custodians, clear chains of custody, and jurisdictional authority, whereas blockchain operates across distributed networks with pseudonymous participants. This manuscript examines the admissibility, authenticity, and probative value of blockchain-based evidence, highlighting gaps in existing laws that were not designed for decentralized technologies. Through doctrinal analysis, comparative legal review, and conceptual evaluation, the study identifies key challenges including jurisdictional ambiguity, privacy concerns, evidentiary standards, technological literacy among legal actors, and regulatory uncertainty. The findings suggest that while blockchain evidence can strengthen fact-finding by providing secure and verifiable records, legislative reforms are necessary to establish uniform standards for authentication, data integrity verification, and accountability. The paper concludes that a balanced framework—combining technological understanding with procedural safeguards—is essential to ensure that blockchain evidence enhances rather than complicates the pursuit of justice.