Are WhatsApp messages admissible in court?

Are WhatsApp messages admissible in court?

0:01 AM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago 5

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Hello, I’m looking for some advice from the Property118 community. My ex-tenant has left quite a lot of rubbish in the flat and the flat also needed quite a bit of repair to allow for re-letting.

Our conversations about this are all on WhatsApp. If I go to court to claim the money from her, are the WhatsApp messages admissible in court?

Any advice on this would be very much appreciated.

Thank you,

Shabbir


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David Houghton

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Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 396

10:34 AM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago

Yes if you exhibit them in a witness statement supported by a statement of Truth. You will need to serve (post) a copy to the Court and the defendant

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Thomas Ingram

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Member Since March 2022 - Comments: 3

15:36 PM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago

I’ve just been to court over a similar thing. Whatsapp was my saviour to some extent. There were no questions about them (the messages) being authentic. I see no reason why you can’t submit them. The courts need to get with the 21st century. I think Wagatha Christie was fought and won over WhatsApp.

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GlanACC

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Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1424

17:38 PM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago

I used text messages when I went to court several years ago, so yes they are admissable.

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Shabbir Mohamed

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Member Since January 2023 - Comments: 1

21:46 PM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago

Thanks for the helpful replies. Can I please ask if you submitted screenshots to the court or submitted it as a text file using the export function on WhatsApp?

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T G

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Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 75

4:29 AM, 6th May 2023, About 3 years ago

The admissibility of WhatsApp messages in court may depend on several factors, including the jurisdiction, the nature of the messages, and the circumstances surrounding their acquisition.

In general, electronic messages such as WhatsApp messages may be admissible in court as evidence if they meet the same standards of admissibility as other forms of evidence. This means that the messages must be relevant, material, and authenticated.

However, there may be some challenges to the admissibility of WhatsApp messages as evidence in court. For example, if the messages were obtained illegally or without the consent of the parties involved, they may be deemed inadmissible.

Additionally, the authenticity of the messages may be called into question, particularly if there is a dispute over the identity of the sender or the integrity of the messages has been compromised.

In summary, the admissibility of WhatsApp messages in court will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the applicable laws and rules of evidence in the jurisdiction where the case is being heard. It is recommended to consult with a lawyer or legal expert for guidance on the admissibility of electronic messages as evidence in a particular case.

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