Digital Evidence Lifecycle Management Framework in Courts of Law (DELM-C): A Case of Zanzibar High Courts

Abstract

The growing reliance on digital evidence in judicial proceedings has heightened the need for structured, secure, and legally sound frameworks for its collection, preservation, storage, and presentation. In Zanzibar, however, the integration of digital evidence into the court system remains hindered by the absence of standardized procedures and digital infrastructure, undermining the integrity and admissibility of such evidence. This study addresses these challenges by developing a comprehensive Digital Evidence Lifecycle Management Framework (DELM-C) tailored to the operational and legal context of the Zanzibar High Court. The proposed framework aims to streamline digital evidence handling, enhance forensic readiness, and ensure compliance with admissibility standards. Using a quantitative research design, the study engaged 50 purposively selected legal and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals, including judges, lawyers, and forensic experts, through structured surveys. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), were used to assess the relationships between variables impacting digital evidence management. The findings revealed mixed but insightful outcomes, indicating both significant and insignificant relationships across technical, legal, and infrastructural factors.The results underscore the urgent need for legal reform, capacity building, and technological upgrades to support the reliable use of digital evidence in Zanzibar’s judiciary.The framework not only addresses existing gaps but also lays the groundwork for future improvements. Future research should focus on pilot-testing the proposed framework within the Zanzibar High Court and conducting cross-jurisdictional comparisons to evaluate the adaptability and effectiveness of digital forensic tools in judicial environments.