Issues with moving from paper to electronic records 3. Admissibility of Electronic Records 4. Weight of Electronic Records 5. Digital Signatures in Lieu of Handwritten Signatures 6. Admissibility addresses the question of whether the record can be introduced at all.
Admissibility is subject to a variety of rules built up over centuries.
Of particular relevance to electronic records is the 'best evidence' rule. Among other things, this states that the 'original' is the best evidence. It is possible to introduce a copy, but only if the original is no longer available, and only after appropriate explanations. The last revision of the current Evidence Act predates the widespread use of modern copying technology and the widespread use of computers. Clearly weight is a subjective decision and depends on the record's perceived authenticity.