I am sure I am not alone in being uncomfortable with the concept of an electronic signature on a witness statement. Electronic signatures can also be used with deeds. (4)       The next question was whether the specific wording of CPR 32.4(1) displaced CPR 5.3. an electronically signed statement can be supplied to the Crown Prosecution Service within 7 days of any charging decision. (11)     At a time when the need for compliance was paramount the fact of electronic signature was expedient. In this current environment it may not always be possible for proposed signatories to be physically present to provide ‘wet ink’ signature documents. The insurer involved thereafter interviewed the claimant            who stated that they had no knowledge of the statement that had been served on their behalf. A person typing their name into a contract or into an email containing the terms of a contract. In the other a witness denied knowledge of the statement which he said he had seen for the first time shortly before    trial and the case was adjourned so that an interpreter could be used. (7)       The question was whether the words “signed by a person” displaced 5.3. (8)       The Defendant submitted that the Overriding Objective gave rise to significant factors why the rule should be                         construed to require personal signature to further the overriding objective. The witness … The primary UK legislation on electronic signatures is the Electronic Communications Act 2000 (ECA 2000) and this gives a very wide definition on what may constitute an electronic signature. What if further changes to the document must be made after I sign it? It is the intention of the parties that is important. (6)       The rule stated that a witness statement should be “signed by a person”. When the statements were sent the defendants noted apparent inconsistencies in the signatures. This, in itself,             favoured the use of electronic signatures. (5)       It was accepted, as a general principle, that specific wording replaces a general rule. COVID-19 and electronic signatures under English law, Tax, Private Client Services and Executive Compensation, Electronic signatures and commercial documents – English law, Reed Smith Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement. However, under English law, electronic signatures can generally be provided in place of wet ink signatures. There was equal scope for a handwritten signature            to be signed falsely. Below are some questions that commonly arise with electronic signatures, together with possible solutions. of any illegible signatures. So a signatory's spouse, cohabitee, civil partner or employee is not prohibited from acting as a witness. Can a combination of execution methods be used? ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE OF WITNESS STATEMENTS: IS IT VALID? Can another person apply my digital signature? However, r. 5.3 made no distinction between different types of documents and it was held that, in principle, a typed signature could be used on a witness statement and any other court … Do I need special software to sign documents electronically? Traditional face-to-face signing meetings should no longer be held. A wide range of options are available. Having held that electronic signature was a valid signature it was inconsistent to require them to be served again with a personal signature. In one the case was struck out on the morning because the name on the electronic signature on witness statement  was different to the claimant’s name. Common sense would suggest that the overriding factor should be the physical location of the signatory when they input the relevant commands into the computer to sign a document electronically. the witness is physically present when the signatory applies his/her electronic signature, but does not have his/her own electronic signature, and therefore prints the electronically-signed document and … Examples include: Unless statute or the document itself provides for otherwise, electronic signatures can be used to sign documents (including contracts and deeds) governed by English law provided that (i) the person signing the document intends to authenticate the document and (ii) any formalities relating to execution of that document are satisfied. In 2000, Congress passed the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN), which authorized the use of e-signatures and eNotarization for transactions between two or more parties. The claimants were bringing an action for personal injury. On a practical level, the whole of the signature page should be clearly visible. * This post is based on my note of the judgment. In particular, however, requiring a personal signature was the most effective means of ensuring compliance with rules, practice directions and orders. They include the following… statements of truth (verifying statements of case; witness statements, and statements of case.” (5.3. p.181). The defendant argued that the requirement that the statement be “signed by a person” overrode the more general rule in CPR 5.3. which states: “Where any of these Rules or any other practice direction requires a document to be signed, that requirement shall be satisfied if the signature is printed by computer or other mechanical means.”. However, under English law, electronic signatures can generally be provided in place of wet ink signatures. The emergence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to social distancing and remote working. Caution should be exercised where the document is being executed as a deed, where the Law Society guidance on Execution of documents by virtual means should be followed. soft copy) version of the contract. the board resolution and/or the organisation's board-approved signing policies) specifically authorises sub-delegation (for instance to another team member or employee). Firm ranked among top five ‘Most Digital Law Firms;’ project shortlisted for ‘Best Multidisciplinary Team.’, 24 March 2020 it is possible to witness electronic signatures through the witness being physically present when the electronic signature is applied and applying their own signature (electronic or otherwise). For companies, consider if it is easier for two directors (or a director and the company secretary) to sign, as they do not need to witness each other's signatures. The parties should also ensure the signing arrangements adequately address when delivery of the deed takes place. The defence was that the impact between the vehicles was too low to cause injury. To evidence this intention to authenticate, good practice would be to confirm the method of execution in advance by email or as part of the terms of the contract. “ (1) A witness statement is a written statement signed by a person which contains the evidence which that person would be allowed to give orally.” Electronic signature of documents The … However, e-signature software and platforms can be helpful as they may have built-in processes to ensure that documents are signed properly, to verify the identity of signatories and to provide evidence of proper signing (i.e. Amendments (electronically or manuscript) may be made to a document following electronic execution to the same extent they may be made to a document executed with a wet ink signature. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. A person using a finger, light pen or stylus and a touchscreen to write their name electronically in the signature block of the contract. If a witness is required (e.g. There is some discussion in the notes to the 2015 white book as to what is a “document”, noting that: “The question what is, and what is not, a “document” for these purposes is not free from doubt. In this current environment it may not always be possible for proposed signatories to be physically present to provide ‘wet ink’ signature documents. The Court of Appeal accepted that the use of an electronic signature was sufficient to validate a document under the Civil Procedure Rules. The judge ordered the defendant to pay the claimants’ costs. You or your organization may submit a signature log or attestation statement to support the identity . The parties agree that either party may use a computer-based system to issue certain Confirmations and that each such Confirmation executed by a party by means of an electronically-produced signature, shall have the same legal effect as if, such signature had been manually written on such Confirmation … The District Judge held that electronic signature of the witness statements complied with the rules. ” The claimant’s submissions based on the Civil … This Modification, or a signature page thereto intended to be attached to a copy of this Modification, signed and transmitted by facsimile machine, telecopier or other electronic means (including via transmittal of a “pdf” file) shall be deemed and treated as an original document.The signature … In most cases, probably yes, provided you agree with what you are signing. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Gordon Exall and Civil Litigation Brief with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. However, this is not beyond doubt – for example, the location of the server on which the document is stored may also be relevant. through tracking IP addresses or logins), which can reduce the risk of mistakes and fraud. Now you may print, save, or share … Mercury-compliant signings, using scanned or photographed signature pages: these methods follow the February 2010 guidance issued by The Law Society of Engla… Can my spouse or relative witness my signature? Press Done after you complete the form. The court made a peremptory order in relation to disclosure together with a peremptory order that the claimants file witness statements explaining what documents were missing. The defendant made an application for a declaration that the claimants had failed to comply with the peremptory order on the grounds that the witness statements were not properly signed. Reed Smith Client Alerts, Authors: Sakil A. Suleman The defendant gave three examples of where the use of Echosign in particular. I am not certain that this issue was ever considered by the Rules Committee and there is a degree of ambiguity in the rules. Free Practical Law trial To access this resource, sign up for a free trial of Practical Law. The defendant argued that a witness statement is materially different to other documents, most of which can be signed on the claimant’s behalf. The defendant argued that using CPR 1.2 supported the defendant’s construction. A document may be signed using a combination of different methods, so long as each party uses a valid signature method. What is a signature log? © Gordon Exall, Civil Litigation Brief, 2013-2021. How witness signing works When you send an envelope with a witness requirement, your signer provides the witness information, including their name, email, and a message to the witness. where a private individual is signing, or a single director is signing a deed for a company), they must be physically present to see the act of signing. A printed signature below the illegible signature in the original record may be accepted. What is an electronic signature? The defendant argued that the very definition of witness statement involved a personal signature from the witness. Upon making enquiries it transpired that the signatures were electronic signatures using a method known as Echosign. A person electronically pasting their scanned signature into the signature block of an electronic (i.e. (9)       However if the authors of the rule had wanted witness statements to displace the general provisions the rule could               have said so expressly and made it clear that witness statements were an exception. The third the case was discontinued shortly before trial. (12)     If electronic signature of witness statements was a widespread problem then the solution lay with approaching the                 Rules Committee. There was also a dispute in relation to the number of people in the claimants’ vehicle. However, each of the following is a valid form of electronic signature: An individual typing their name into a contract. The judge directed himself that this was editorial comment. However, since the witness could be called to provide credible evidence of due execution, independent witnessing remains best practice. This doesn’t mean that attestation by electronic signature is prohibited at common law, which should permit attestation by electronic signature where the witness is physically present to see the relevant party’s e-signing and actually apply their own electronic signature to the electronic … Instead it can be executed electronically by two authorised signatories (i.e. However he held that the application did not amount to “exceptional circumstances” and costs were confined to £250 + vat. The District Judge stated he was surprised that this question had not been considered at a higher level and granted permission to appeal. To view a table on using electronic signatures with a range of commercial contracts, please visit Electronic signatures and commercial documents – English law. If I don’t have a scanner can I send a photo of my signature page? Issues may arise where a document (such as a deed) … Emma Weeden If it is essential that a document is signed in a specific jurisdiction (e.g. Despite these problems there are a number of alternative options available, including: 1. Where a signatory does not have access to a scanner at home, a digital photo of the executed signature page may provide an alternative. A question that clients often ask us is ‘can I sign this document electronically?’ It is important to know the answer given the emergence of providers of electronic signature software, who tout the ease of use and convenience of applying an electronic signature … (3)       There is no definition in the rules but the notes to 5.3 of the white book refer to a witness statement as a document. It was further argued that the particular method used in these circumstances did not comply because there was no certainty as to who “pressed the button” to produce a “faux” signature. An individual electronically pasting their signature as a pictorial image into an electronic … However, the formalities for deeds can create additional problems. Use the Sign Tool to add and create your electronic signature to certify the Witness statement templatepdffillercom form. The Regulation contemplates that the witness could either sign and endorse a counterpart of the document, or that the person could scan and send to the witness a copy of the … However, other than for wills, there is no general requirement that a witness must be independent in relation to the signing parties. Where a person is authorised to sign on behalf of a company or another organisation, they should sign the document personally by inserting their signature, rather than sub-delegate this to someone else (e.g. a director or company secretary) or by a director in the presence of a witness who attests the signature. For more information on the legal and business implications of COVID-19, visit the Reed Smith Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center or contact us at COVID-19@reedsmith.com. © 2021 Reed Smith LLP. What constitutes an electronic signature? However as MG Legal, your solicitors Lancaster have often found, each District Judge has their own opinion and as there is currently no guiding decision from the High Court, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court, it would be wise not … Our Reed Smith Coronavirus team includes multidisciplinary lawyers from Asia, EME and the United States who stand ready to advise you on the issues above or others you may face related to COVID-19. However, the witness must be … If the signer uses an electronic signature, the Notary must witness the electronic signature … (10)     The system used by the Claimants had a means of tracing them. A signature … It would be interesting to know whether anyone has any views or different experiences. There can also be practical problems when using common signing processes which require the printing and scanning of signature pages, if a signatory does not have the correct equipment at home. An “intention to authenticate” means an intention to sign and be bound by the document being signed. Requiring a personal signature did not take up any of the court’s resources. Once a witness statement is approved by signing the statement of truth, it is your witness statement. Updates and Commentary on Civil Procedure, by Gordon Exall, Barrister, Kings Chambers, Leeds, Manchester & Birmingham. Can I use an electronic signature to sign a deed? (2)       The next question was whether a witness statement is a “document”. A FIRST INSTANCE DECISION, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window), THE PROFOUND LACK OF WISDOM IN SIGNING STATEMENTS OF TRUTH ON BEHALF OF YOUR CLIENT, A TRIAL WITHOUT WITNESSES: THE PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES: DUNNAGE -v- RANDALL, FIRST SERVICE CASE OF THE YEAR: SERVING PROCEEDINGS IS NOT ALWAYS A WALK ON THE BEACH, LAW AND FLOODING: USEFUL GUIDES TO THE LAW AND PRACTICAL LINKS (2021), AN INTERESTING CASE IN THE COURT OF APPEAL: NO INTEREST AWARDED ON DAMAGES FOR MALICIOUS PROSECUTION AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT, SOLICITOR AND OWN CLIENT ASSESSMENT: INTERIM BILLS ARE NOT STATUTE BILLS, THE DANGER OF CLAIMANT’S PART 36 OFFERS: THE DEFENDANT CAN WAIT ONE DAY AND THEN PUT COSTS AT LARGE, THE DANGER OF CLAIMANT'S PART 36 OFFERS: THE DEFENDANT CAN WAIT ONE DAY AND THEN PUT COSTS AT LARGE, ADVOCACY THE JUDGE'S VIEW SERIES 4: PART 2: GET TO THE POINT QUICKLY, Coronavirus: Guidance for lawyers and businesses, Munkman & Exall on Damages for Personal Injuries and Death 14th ed, The APIL Guide to Fatal Accidents 4th edition, Kings Chambers Costs & Litigation Funding. (I have the permission of my clients). The judge refused the defendant’s application that the claimants file witness statements that had been personally signed. The process will involve a conveyancer uploading the deed to an online platform which sends a link to the signatories. Responding to government investigations during COVID-19, Administering the COVID-19 vaccine to our seafarers, The COVID vaccines cannot wipe away the economic damage of the pandemic. Keeping to the suggestions above can help steer clear from problems preparing it in the first place, but in the final analysis the witness … A witness is still required to be present, who can also ‘sign’ electronically. There are many documents which, in accordance with the CPR provisions should be signed. Furthermore, the courts have always taken a permissive stance on the question of whether an electronic signature … Can a witness statement (in civil litigation) be signed electronically? The typical process for electronic signing and the narrative that will precede it: negotiation of terms and correspondence indicating that a contract will … A minor should only act as a witness if they are of sufficient maturity and understanding to provide reliable evidence. Does it matter where I am located when I provide my electronic signature? The law does not prescribe a particular type of electronic signature. Electronic Signature. Another party to a deed cannot be an attesting witness. Requiring a physical signature put the parties on an equal footing; ultimately it saved expense; it was not disproportional; personal signature did not led to any great delay and was not unfair. Can we condition societal benefits on proof of vaccination? Although the Law Commission suggested that this should be looked at further, their position was that even when the signatory signs electronically, and the witness signs and completes their details electronically, the witness should be physically present when the signatory signs the … has put before the Court evidence of three cases in which the use of Echosign has led to difficulties. Lauren Dooley, Edmund Tyler. to paste in their scanned signature), unless, in the case of simple contracts, the authority (e.g. No special software or dedicated platform is needed. I represented the defendant. It is your responsibility as deponent to ensure that your evidence is truthful. Unauthorised use and or duplication of the material contained on this blog without permission from this blog's author is strictly prohibited. However, the signer may use an electronic signature, provided the document can be signed electronically under the Electronic Signatures and Records Act (Article 3 of the State Technology Law). All rights reserved. for tax or regulatory reasons), caution should be exercised. “(1) A witness statement is a written statement signed by a person which contains the evidence which that person would be allowed to give orally.”. In all of these cases Echosign signatures appeared to have been placed on the witness statements. Honorees demonstrated insight, engagement, investment, knowledge, efficiency, clarity, planning and foresight. For a deed to be validly witnessed electronically, a witness may electronically sign the attestation clause under the signature clause, using any form of electronic signature. The judge reserved judgment for a short while and then stated: (1)       The starting point was CPR 5.3 which states that electronic signature is sufficient. A person inserting their scanned or typed signature into the signature block of a contract via a web-based e-signature platform (such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign, among others). Issues may arise where a document (such as a deed) is required to be witnessed, or where a document is required to be filed with, or processed by, a government agency that requires wet ink originals. The COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Electronic Signing and Witnessing) Regulations 2020 allows Wills (including those signed under direction) to be electronically signed and witnessed if each … In 1999, the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) drafted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), which has similar language to E-SIGN. Deed can not be an attesting witness electronically by two authorised signatories ( i.e the specific replaces. I need special software to sign a deed can not be an attesting witness signing policies ) specifically sub-delegation. 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