E-MAIL AS EVIDENCE IN CONTEMPORARY LAW

Abstract

Electronic mail or “e-mail” has become the very fabric evidence of litigation. This Article explores a range of evidentiary issues likely to affect email with a particular focus on litigation. Section I introduces the nature of evidence. Section II focuses on the best e-mail evidence rule in the legislation, some cases, and expert opinions. This Article draws from cases involving e-mail in other types of settings, as well as cases involving analogous types of evidence. As this summary of issues suggests, the purposes and styles of e-mail communications are at least as broad as any other type of written communication and e-mail, no doubt in many cases is valid evidence.