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

[Joseph the Second]

It eventually WILL Be... -It's just a matter of Time.

[Maia]

It will depend on their relevance to any case in hand.

[Jm.b]

Most social media messages are, as you say, nothing more than a pastime for most people. But there have been occasions where the message has had a strong bearing on the outcome of court cases. You only have to look to Facebook in the last couple of months to find the proof of what I'm saying. So it really depends on what was actually said by Hougaard, whether it has any bearing on future proceedings. Keeping in mind the prosecution has said they 'may' form part of their case against Pistorius, because equally, they may not.

[giginotgigi]

Social media is a form of evidence. The law court cannot reject such evidence due to its electronic form. Nevertheless, there is some reasonable doubt in messages in social media, e.g. compromised accounts. Of course, the persecutors have their responsibilities to prove those messages beyond the shadow of reasonable doubts. That would be works by Digital Forensicists in Police Force.

[Bear]

It may be,because the modern generation is reliant on 'Text speak',and real relationships,Platonic or otherwise is beyond them.
Saying that,in real life,men are usually insecure and think that 'My woman - my property',and are hostile to any other men talking to their partner.
Trust = Love = Trust.
Maybe I'm just an oddball thinking like that,and why I'm still single.
Are you single Faith?

[Skidoo]

Sources close to the police investigation should keep their traps shut. Leaks and misinformation create a breeding ground for rumours, speculation and conspiracists.

[Arggg]

It wouldn't prove a relationship per se, but it might provide a motive (jealousy).