Legal Literacy

The Age of Technology

Once I and my Boss went for a meeting. it was concerning a certain property which was a subject of Controversy. We met with a representative of the opposing side at the Clients house.

The rep also a Lawyer but probably not in practice (He made a lot of blunders that day with regard to what is obtainable in practice, so we concluded that He's definitely not a practicing lawyer) stepped in with his Mobile phones and some documents and dropped them on the table beside Him.

At some point in the heat of our discussion He went outside to his car to get some documents. Our Client tried to say something immediately the rep to the opposing side stepped out but my Boss gestured to Him to hold on.

You see the man stepped out without His Phones, and I was thinking that he could be recording, obviously My Boss was thinking the same thing too. Lure us into a false sense of security in his absence and then someone says something He's not supposed to and gives the opposing side the upper hand. We'll never know if He was recording but like the white Man says, best to err on the side of caution.

Of course Oga is extra so after the Rep to the opposing side left He made them search the place where the man sat for any strange devise before we began talking with our Client.

It is redundant to state that we're in an age of massive technological advancement. Presently we are connected to each other like never before. According to Wikipedia, the Information Age (also known as the Computer Age, Digital Age, or New Media Age) is a historic period in the 20th century characterized by the rapid shift from traditional industry that the Industrial Revolution brought through industrialization, to an economy further based upon information technology.

We can agree that daily we are enmeshed in the use of one technological invention or the other. In this regard it is necessary to take certain steps to avoid certain pit falls. I know we're all aware of the advantages and wonder working powers of technology so I'll only be highlighting pitfalls to be avoided from the Legal perspective.

1. Secure Your Device.

First point here is to make sure you do not expose yourself to hackers, be mindful of sites you access and how you share your personal information online. Secondly, I believe it makes sense to password your device. This controls who and who can access it in your absence and makes it necessary for your permission to be sought before use. Be it a Mobile Phone, a Personal Computer or a Mac book, it is a personal thing and you're bound to have sensitive/personal information on it so best to secure it and prevent 'had I known'.

2. Documentary Over Oral Transactions. 

Are you into business? Do you constantly engage in transactions with people? Are you conducting said transactions over phone calls? Don't say its just a little thing or involves a paltry sum, legal transactions should always be evidenced by documents. Especially as we do not know when controversy may arise. It is the age of technology, A simple Email or text message will suffice, insist on it. Even if all details of the transaction have already been concluded orally send an email/text seeking to confirm said order and let the person affirm. This is important so it doesn't become your word over theirs in the event of controversy and you're not left without legal recourse. But well if your transaction is illegal, then oral is preferred! That way if you're caught, establishing an offense or wrong doing is harder. Remember to not leave trails, they always come back to bite.

3. Controversy! 

This is one thing that cannot be ruled out in the Business environment and sometimes even in personal dealings. When ever controversy arises, it is the documents A.k.a Receipts that speak. In this age, proper documentation should be no one's problem. It is a fact that even in court, documentary evidence is preferred over oral evidence, it is in effect given more weight. Also when there is controversy concerning any issue or transaction be careful of your utterances. It is pretty easy for you to be recorded admitting to said wrong or for a harmless thing you say to be misconstrued or taken out of context. Get a Lawyer and ask him to conduct all communication with the opposing side. You'll be surprised at how smart and efficient they can be!

Next week we delve into novel and emerging areas of Law you should be concerned about. Subscribe so you don't miss a thing!

Photo credit: Unsplash.com