Abstracts

The use of computers in Cameroon has grown exponentially in the last decade. Financial transactions, communication systems, modern automobiles and so on depend on computers. It is now an electronic age where daily transactions are conducted on the platform of electronic devises. In the event of disputes, parties are bound to rely on electronic evidence. Computers and other electronic information and communication devices represent a new millennium in the age of technology development.

The advent of computers brought with it a new form of record keeping in software – microfilms, microchips, diskettes, flash drives – that are not by any means within the former understanding of the word ‘documents.’ However, tendering computer-generated evidence is often as contentious and acrimonious as the underlying litigation itself, with the party opposing such evidence usually relying on the hearsay rule, among other forms of objections under the old Evidence Act, to prevent its admission. This study examines the relevancy and admissibility of electronically generated evidence under the Evidence Act.

It focuses on analyzing the challenges and considerations surrounding the admission of such evidence in legal proceedings. The methodology adopted is the qualitative research methodology engulfing analysis of both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary sources of data is taken form the laws as its emanate form the legislators why the secondary sources of data are gotten from books, article journals, law reports, online sources. The research findings prove that the best evidence rule is the tendering of the original copy of the documents.

But however, where the original copy is lacking, the courts have often gone to accept secondary rule of evidence which may entails the admissibility of electronically generated evidence before the courts proceedings. By exploring relevant case law and scholarly perspectives, this research provides a concise overview of the legal framework governing the admissibility of electronically generated evidence and highlights key factors that influence its relevancy in the courtroom.

It is recommended that for Cameroonian courts to make admissibility of computer-generated evidence effective, the courts must be computerized to allow for the taking of evidence and writing of Rulings and Judgments electronically as it has been fully done in advanced countries like Britain, South Africa, America

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