The present study examines the concept, function, classification, and legal limitations of evidence within criminal procedure law, with a particular emphasis on its indispensable role in the attainment of material truth. Criminal...
moreThe present study examines the concept, function, classification, and legal limitations of evidence within criminal procedure law, with a particular emphasis on its indispensable role in the attainment of material truth. Criminal procedure law, as a fundamental branch of public law, is structured around the objective of determining whether a criminal act has occurred, identifying the perpetrator, and ensuring that justice is administered in accordance with the rule of law. Within this framework, evidence constitutes the central instrument through which the abstract norms of criminal law are concretized and applied to specific cases. Accordingly, this study aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis of evidence in criminal procedure, addressing both its theoretical foundations and practical implications. The background of the study is grounded in the recognition that the concept of evidence has undergone significant transformation due to advancements in forensic sciences and digital technologies. While traditional approaches to evidence relied heavily on testimonial and physical proof, contemporary criminal procedure increasingly incorporates scientific and technological methods, such as DNA analysis, digital forensics, and advanced modeling techniques. This transformation necessitates a reevaluation of classical doctrines of proof, evidentiary standards, and procedural safeguards. The study, therefore, situates itself at the intersection of traditional legal theory and modern scientific developments, aiming to bridge the gap between doctrinal analysis and practical application. The primary objective of this research is to present a general overview of evidence in criminal procedure law while simultaneously exploring the principles governing its collection, evaluation, and admissibility. In doing so, the study seeks to clarify the conceptual framework of evidence, identify its essential characteristics, and examine the methods through which evidence contributes to the establishment of material truth. Furthermore, the study aims to analyze the legal restrictions imposed on evidence, particularly in relation to unlawfully obtained evidence, and to assess the implications of these restrictions for the protection of fundamental rights and the integrity of the judicial process. Methodologically, the study adopts a doctrinal and analytical approach. It is based on a comprehensive examination of statutory provisions, particularly the Turkish Criminal Procedure Code (CMK), as well as relevant constitutional norms and judicial decisions. In addition to legal texts, the study draws upon academic literature and interdisciplinary sources from forensic sciences, thereby integrating legal analysis with scientific perspectives. The methodological framework also incorporates a systematic classification of evidence, enabling a structured understanding of its various forms and functions. This approach allows for a detailed exploration of both the normative and practical dimensions of evidence in criminal procedure. The findings of the study reveal that evidence serves multiple and interconnected functions within the criminal justice system. First and foremost, evidence is the primary means through which material truth is established. Without evidence, neither the initiation of an investigation nor the rendering of a judicial decision is possible. The study emphasizes that evidence must be obtained in accordance with legal procedures and must possess certain essential characteristics, such as relevance, reliability, and legality. Evidence that fails to meet these criteria cannot be considered valid and must be excluded from the judicial process. The study further identifies the essential characteristics that evidence must possess in order to be admissible and effective. These include logical consistency, factual accuracy, and a direct connection to the event in question. Additionally, the principle of “adversarial examination” requires that evidence be presented and discussed before the court, ensuring transparency and fairness in the judicial process. The judge’s decision must be based solely on evidence that has been lawfully obtained and subjected to adversarial scrutiny, in accordance with the principle of free evaluation of evidence. A central finding of the study is the critical importance of the prohibition of unlawfully obtained evidence. The principle that evidence must be obtained in accordance with the law is a cornerstone of criminal procedure and is closely linked to the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. The study examines various forms of evidentiary prohibitions, including violations of procedural rules during evidence collection, coercion or deception in obtaining statements, and the use of unauthorized investigative methods. It also distinguishes between absolute and relative prohibitions, emphasizing that unlawfully obtained evidence must generally be excluded from the judicial process. This exclusionary rule serves not only to protect individual rights but also to uphold the legitimacy and credibility of the justice system. In addition, the study highlights the growing role of forensic sciences in the collection and evaluation of evidence. Disciplines such as forensic medicine, forensic genetics, toxicology, psychology, and digital forensics play a crucial role in modern criminal investigations. Among these, digital forensics (adli bilişim) emerges as a particularly significant field, given the increasing prevalence of digital data in criminal activities. Digital evidence, including data from electronic devices and networks, requires specialized methods for collection, preservation, and analysis. The study underscores that the integration of forensic sciences into criminal procedure enhances both the accuracy and efficiency of the evidentiary process. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that evidence is the cornerstone of criminal procedure law and plays a decisive role in the realization of justice. The effective functioning of the criminal justice system depends on the proper collection, evaluation, and admissibility of evidence. At the same time, the study highlights the need to balance the pursuit of material truth with the protection of fundamental rights, particularly in relation to unlawfully obtained evidence. As technological advancements continue to reshape the nature of evidence, criminal procedure law must adapt accordingly, incorporating new methods and standards while preserving its core principles. Ultimately, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of evidence in criminal procedure and provides a comprehensive framework for its analysis in both theoretical and practical contexts. Keywords: Criminal Procedure Law, Evidence Theory, Material Truth, Admissibility of Evidence, Exclusionary Rule, Forensic Sciences, Digital Forensics.