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From: Mike Riddle <Mike.Riddle@f27.n285.z1.fidonet.org>
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: "Columbo" TV Episode, 6/10/90.
Message-ID: <9286@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 24 Jun 90 02:10:21 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 454, Message 5 of 11


Re: Evidentiary Value of Computer Logs and Fax-Machine-Generated Records.
 
The Federal Rules of Evidence, and most State rules, allow such to be
admitted.  In the case of computer logs, any printout is considered
"original."
 
BUT -- and a big BUT -- when using them, the party offering the logs
as evidence needs to "lay the foundation."  Someone has to explain
what they are and the significance (relevance and materiality in legal
terms) to the issue being decided.  If there is an easy way to fake
the product, the opposing party has an opportunity to show that.  If
the opposition is strong enough, the judge may decide not to allow the
evidence in.
 
It's like a lot of other things in life -- you may use it, but it
might not have much value.


Ybbat (DRBBS) 8.9 v. 3.11 r.3
[1:285/27@fidonet] The Inns of Court 402/593-1192 (1:285/27.0)

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