The admissibility of electronic mail in legal proceedings hinges on establishing its authenticity and relevance. Courts require proof that the email presented is, in fact, what it purports to be a true and accurate record of communication. This necessitates a demonstrable chain of custody and a clear linkage to the purported sender. For example, simply printing an email is often insufficient; presenting the original electronic file with its metadata may be required for stronger verification.
Properly introducing electronic mail offers several advantages in litigation. Email exchanges can provide irrefutable documentation of agreements, admissions, or timelines of events. The widespread adoption of email as a primary communication method in business and personal affairs makes it a frequent and often crucial form of evidence. Historically, proving the authenticity of written documents was relatively straightforward. The digital nature of email, however, introduces new challenges related to potential alteration or fabrication, necessitating more stringent authentication procedures.
