Metadata matters! Proving dates of evidence

legal updates

Metadata means “data about data” and is defined as “the data providing information about one or more aspects of the data in question.”

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

...the difference between winning and losing.

Such an issue recently arose in the case of Wye Valley NHS Trust v Murphy [2024] EWHC 1912 (KB), where the Trust concerned was unable to prove the dates and times of various videos taken, and consequently, it was unable to rely upon the same in evidence before the court, given the lack of such fundamental information or metadata.

Metadata means “data about data” and is defined as “the data providing information about one or more aspects of the data in question.” It is used to summarise basic information about data that can make tracking and working with specific data easier, and in the case on point, credible. Some examples include:

  • means of creation of the data
  • purpose of the data
  • time and date of creation
  • creator or author of the data

Here at Lawgistics, we often see videos, audio files, pictures, extracts of emails, text messages, and other forms of evidence or data produced with little or no relevant metadata, making understanding the context of such evidence and ultimately proving it before a court difficult at best and impossible at worst, and may then prove to be the difference between winning and losing.

DMS NavigatorDealer Management System software for Car Sales, Aftersales and eCommerce

Our dealers use us to help them be more Efficient and Profitable!

You can use our Dealer and Lead Management software to integrate all dealership departments, both online and physical ; providing all in-house functions; Invoicing, Stock Management, Accounting and Marketing as well as interfacing for advertising, ecommerce and more.

Howard TilneyHead of Strategy / Legal AdvisorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Disclose or not to disclose, that is the question

It is imperative that you know what is required to be disclosed, when to disclose the documents, and what your legal duty is both before proceedings and when a claim is issued.

Detailed records avoid post-sale issues

The Claimant was only entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs to the locks, which were considered likely to have been faulty at the point of sale and was awarded £385.

Claimant failed to satisfy the burden of proof

No real evidence to suggest the extant problems with his vehicle were in any way related to the repairs that had been undertaken

I’m On The Register!!

If a judgment in default is issued, a CCJ is recorded immediately on the relevant credit file.

Time is Money – Pay Attention!

Whether the court has made a mistake that impacts your case, or if the postman has lost your court paperwork, as soon as an issue arises, action is needed.

SHOCK & HORROR! A finance company seeks to influence an expert opinion!

Any finance house thinking of or seeking to emulate such unconscionable conduct, risks not only judicial ire and sanction but also being named and shamed.

Petty Grievances

Dealers can rest assured that the courts still take a very dim view of petty grievances blown out of proportion.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.