Are Screenshots Valid in Court?
When it comes to proving a point in court, documentary evidence is of utmost importance. According to Section 65-B of the Evidence Act, 1872, documentary evidence is a primary piece of evidence and is used to prove facts in a court of law. One such form of documentary evidence is screenshots. But the question arises, are screenshots valid in court?
Screenshots are digital images of a computer screen or a mobile device. These images are taken to record and save information that is visible on the screen. They are usually taken to record the contents of a website, text messages, emails, etc.
Screenshots can be used as evidence in court as long as they are authenticated and admissible. The authentication process requires the court to determine the authenticity of the screenshot. This includes verifying the source of the screenshot, the date and time it was taken, and any other relevant information.
Once the screenshot is authenticated, it can be used as evidence in court. The screenshot must be relevant to the case and must be able to prove a point. The court will also consider the credibility of the person who took the screenshot.
In conclusion, screenshots can be used as evidence in court as long as they are authenticated and admissible. The court will consider the authenticity of the screenshot, its relevance to the case, and the credibility of the person who took the screenshot.