ML (Use of Skype Technology), Re

ML (Use of Skype Technology), Re

The court was satisfied that parental consent to adoption obtained via Skype was valid due to proper translation, real-time witnessing, and absence of inducement. However, Skype is not suitable for formal court evidence unless mediated by secure technology bridging systems.

Parties
Applicant's Advocate: Helen Broughton; Guardian's Advocate: Anne Thompson
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
18 July 2013
Procedural Posture
Adoption and Relocation Application / Judgment
Outcome
Adoption order granted; application for direct Skype evidence refused.
Legal Topics
Adoption, International Relocation, Use of Technology in Court Proceedings
Family Law Adoption International Relocation Use of Technology in Court Proceedings

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Helen Broughton

Applicant's Advocate

Anne Thompson

Guardian's Advocate

Procedural Posture

Adoption and Relocation Application / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Validity of parental consent to adoption obtained via Skype
  2. 2 Appropriateness of Skype technology for court evidence in international cases

Ratio Decidendi

The court was satisfied that parental consent to adoption obtained via Skype was valid due to proper translation, real-time witnessing, and absence of inducement. However, Skype is not suitable for formal court evidence unless mediated by secure technology bridging systems.

Court Disposition

Adoption order granted; application for direct Skype evidence refused.

Orders

  • Adoption order made for the child
  • Evidence from remote witness to be taken via secure bridging technology, not direct Skype