NEGREI: Academic Journal of Law and Governance
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025)

Judicial Rechtsvinding in the Absence of Legal Norms: A Case Study on the Revocation of Child Adoption in Indonesia

Rahmad, Abd. (Unknown)
Zulhendra, Joni (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

In Indonesia, the legal framework provides a regulatory basis for the adoption of children, but remains silent on the possibility and procedure for revoking such adoption. This article examines the role of judicial rechtsvinding (legal discovery) in resolving legal disputes in the absence of explicit statutory norms, with a focus on the revocation of child adoption in Indonesia. Drawing on a case study of Decision No. 410/Pdt.G/2020/PN.Bdg issued by the Bandung District Court, the study analyzes how the judge employed the method of argumentum a contrario to construct legal reasoning that justified the cancellation of a legally recognized adoption. The analysis reveals that the court integrated both juridical and sociological considerations, placing the child’s best interests at the center of its decision. This case illustrates how judicial discretion can function as a form of normative governance, especially in areas of law where legislative silence prevails. It also underscores the evolving role of the judiciary in shaping family law jurisprudence and filling legal gaps with ethically grounded reasoning. The findings contribute to the discourse on judicial activism, progressive legal interpretation, and child protection in civil law systems.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

negrei

Publisher

Subject

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

Description

Negrei : Academic Journal of Law and Governance established since 2021 based on SK Rector of IAIN Curup Number : 0108/In.34/R/KP.07.6/01/2021 of 20 June 2021. The journal aims to provide for legal and politic scholars and practitioners to accept and give constructive criticism to enhance their ...