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[eileenb]

was chatting to my son and a question came upabout what he'd been told at school.
If a legal document has a signature on it and has been scanned into a computer .it is no longer legal?
Does this mean that a copy of ,say a credit agreement,is not legal if its been photocopied and has not got the original signature just the copied one?

[almcd007]

Only the original document is legal . The copy is just that - a copy. However for legal purposes you can get certified copies of an original which are legally binding copies. But nothing is as definite as the original.

Just because you copy something doesnt make that original document null or void or not legal anymore. - Just that you have made a copy of it.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

I would disagree based on the fact that more and more govt bodies are adopting paperless systems i.e. benefits system where all documents are scanned and are used as evidence for claims.

[Oneeyedvic]

I would also disagree with almcd007's response - and indeed, Land Registry will take their computer records to be accurate over any 'original' copy that you may have.

One of our local accountancy groups have a completely paperless office - everything is scanned in. Again, I would assume that they comply with current legislation.

[almcd007]

Are we talking specifics now ?

There is no specific document referred to and in no specific circumstances in the question - it's just a "say a credit agreement" statement which is a bit loose.

In Land registry - it's pretty specific body dealing with it that has particular guidlines and T & C. I was obviously referring to documents across the board and it depends on the governing body of the relevance of the document i.e. Land Registry, FSA etc

The question was - if the doucument is scanned or copied does it cease to be a legal document which it doesn't. If you have a credit agreement there are usually different coloured true copies of the original. A photocopy would only show a copy of the original document. The original agreement is still in force.

[JudgeJ]

Scanned documents or photocopies may be acceptable in business transaction. It depends upon the document and the business. This means that in the normal course of business they may be accepted as genuine without question.

However, any such copied documents presented to a court are only acceptable if they are "certified" copies as has been mentioned. Either side in the case has the right to challenge their authenticity and, if necessary, require evidence to be given by the person who made the copy.

[Nether Edge]

I don't trust "paperless" concept.
What you threw away yesterday is what you vitally need today!