Whether any document is accepted or admitted as evidence in court depends on a range of factors. Electronic documents are no different.
Proof of the authenticity and reliability of documents may be influenced by a range of factors including:
- The accuracy of the process the systems used to create them
- The source of the information on the record
- The method and time of their preparation
According to Allison Stanfield (‘Turning data into evidence’, 23 October 2009, IDM Magazine):
If appropriate standards and procedures have been followed in the creation and maintenance of electronic documents, the party endeavouring to prove the evidence will be in much better stead compared with the situation that might arise if there are minimal standards and procedures. It is important to show that the chain of custody remains intact when electronic evidence has been handled. IDM Magazine, page 32
The value of evidence is often referred to as weight. According to Stanfield, the evidential ‘weight’ of documents can be affected by its:
- Accuracy (copies were made accurately – eg the process)
- Reliability & integrity (retained in a robust and secure environment)
- Authenticity (not tampered with)
- Accessibility (can be accessed in years to come).
It’s worth remembering that the requirement to provide the original document in evidence was abolished some time ago. See s.51 of the Evidence Act 1995 (NSW).
Records about the world 