Indonesian Journal of Law and Justice
Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): June

Construction of Judicial Interpretation In Indonesia's Criminal Justice System Regarding The Implementation of The New Penal Code

Suryana, Iyus (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Mar 2025

Abstract

Judicial interpretation within Indonesia’s criminal justice system presents a complex challenge, particularly with the implementation of the new Criminal Code (KUHP) under Law Number 1 of 2023. The new Criminal Code incorporates legal pluralism, including customary law (living law), creating a tension between the principle of legality and substantive justice. In practice, judges struggle to balance legal certainty with interpretative flexibility to align legal decisions with societal values. This study aims to analyze judicial interpretation patterns in Indonesia’s criminal justice system following the enactment of the new Criminal Code and to identify factors contributing to judicial inconsistencies. Using a normative legal approach combined with legal hermeneutics, this research examines how judges apply legal provisions through an analysis of legislation, court rulings, and relevant legal theories. The findings indicate that most judges still adhere to legal positivism, prioritizing legal certainty, although sociological and teleological approaches are increasingly applied in certain cases, particularly those involving restorative justice. However, inconsistencies in judicial rulings remain a concern due to judicial subjectivity, political pressure, and public opinion. Strengthening legal hermeneutic methodologies in judicial education and developing more binding legal precedents are essential steps to improving judicial consistency and public trust in Indonesia’s criminal justice system.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

lawjustice

Publisher

Subject

Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

The Indonesian Journal of Law and Justice ISSN 3031 0016 is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal dedicated to presenting high quality research in the field of law and justice in Indonesia. The focus and scope of this journal are, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Criminology, Civil and Business Law, ...