The Seven Deadly Sins of e-Mail

We've all heard horror stories about e-mails that have become trial exhibits - blown up on giant placards or projected on a large screen in front of a jury. The earnest words your client typed in private suddenly take on unforeseen importance when, months or years later, a dispute develops and a trial is held. Like a major league pitcher who releases a hanging curveball to the reigning home-run champ, your client would probably like to "take back" an e-mail that bashes a client, admits incompetence or pitches pent-up emotions in a cathartic rage. <BR>We need not, however, simply succumb to the temptation of e-mail. e-Mail mistakes can be avoided. Clients just need to be educated on how to prevent e-mail mistakes. Although common sense can't be taught, several specific types of e-mailing behavior should be avoided. E-mailers commit what we'll call here the Seven Deadly Sins of e-Mail. While it's unlikely we'll all steer completely clear of these sins, all e-mailers should make every effort to avoid committing the Seven Deadly Sins.

18 minute read October 01, 2003 at 03:48 PM
By
Matthew T. Furton
The Seven Deadly Sins of e-Mail

We've all heard horror stories about e-mails that have become trial exhibits – blown up on giant placards or projected on a large screen in front of a jury.

This premium content is locked for LawJournalNewsletters subscribers only

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SINGLE SOURCE OF OBJECTIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS, PRACTICAL INSIGHTS, AND NEWS IN LawJournalNewsletters

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts
Subscribe Now

Already have an account? Sign In Now

For enterprise-wide or corporate access, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or call 1-877-256-2473.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2026 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Continue Reading

How Courts Interpret and Apply the Interplay Between the Bankruptcy Code and Medicare Program Act

The combination of increasing operating costs and uncertain government reimbursement funding continues to place health care providers under financial pressure, and in many cases, financial distress. Given the importance of Medicare/Medicaid funding of claims under provider agreements with the federal government, how courts interpret and apply the interplay between the Bankruptcy Code and Medicare Program Act determines the disposition of hundreds of millions of dollars of claims for reimbursement that support the health care system.

April 30, 2026

AI Transparency: Clear Explanations Matter More Than Disclosure

As AI becomes embedded in everyday business and legal operations, organizations are confronting a new expectation: simply disclosing AI use is no longer enough. A critical shift is taking place in the legal industry: transparency is no longer just about disclosure; it’s about comprehension.

April 30, 2026