Should social media messages be treated with any credibility in a court of law?

[Faith]

Considering the utter inane nature of social media messages, I find it ridiculous that such messages could be used as proof of a “relationship”.

Some of my friends text constantly...reading their texts, you’d think they were having torrid affairs by the dozen. They aren’t. It’s just a silly sort of entertainment that today’s folk pass their time with.

How on earth can Textspeak, with all its smileys and hearts and kisses be used as an indication of a relationship???

I got a text on Valentine’s day from my little son’s teacher “Happy Valentine’s day sweetheart!” I haven’t spoken more than 10 words to this person! I’m assuming it was probably sent to a mailing list...! : )

The iPad owned by Reeva Steenkamp could be a key part of the Oscar Pistorius murder investigation after claims that a message from a rugby player may have provoked a row that led to her being shot, according to reports.

Sources close to the police investigation told the newspaper on Monday that social media messages, including ones from Hougaard, 24, might form part of the prosecution’s evidence at Pistorius’s bail hearing at the Pretoria central magistrates this morning.

Hougaard, who was also a friend of Pistorius, has strongly denied playing any part in “this whole sad ordeal”.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnew...ation.html