December 28, 2017 – Electronic Discovery Law

Emerald Point v. Hawkins, 294 Va. 544, 808 S.E.2d 384 (Va. Dec. 28, 2017)

Dec 28 2017

Key Insight: Spoliation rule jury instruction for destruction of physical object inappropriate because no intention or bad faith present.

Nature of Case: Landlord Tenant Dispute over CO levels from furnace

Electronic Data Involved: No ESI, application of FRCP 37(e) for guidance

Keywords: ESI spoliation instructions, intentional loss or bad faith, application of FRCP 37(e) in state court

Dec 28 2017

Key Insight: loss or destruction of documents and spoliation sanctions

Nature of Case: refusal to hire

Electronic Data Involved: destroyed notes (not specified to be electronic), Excel spreadsheet

Keywords: adverse inference instruction, Fed. R. Evid. 301, Hicks, EEOC

Dec 28 2017

Key Insight: spoliation, intent to deprive

Nature of Case: Title VII Sex Discrimination

Electronic Data Involved: e-mail

Keywords: sanctions, bad faith, intent to deprive, 37(e)(2), curative measures, 37(e)(1)