Wikipedia in the Courts: An examination of the citation of Wikipedia in judicial opinions in Uganda. Issue 5 (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rukundo, Solomon
• Is Part Of: Computer law & security review. Volume 35:Issue 5(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Wikipedia -- Uganda -- Africa -- Citation -- Judgments -- Internet -- Law -- Legal methods; Computers -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Computer security -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Electronic commerce -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Data protection -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Computer security -- Law and legislation; Computers -- Law and legislation; Data protection -- Law and legislation; Electronic commerce -- Law and legislation; Periodicals; 343.0999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clsr.2019.03.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-473X

Abstract

Abstract: Wikipedia has been cited at least fourteen times by courts of record in Uganda. Courts have a constitutional mandate to interpret the laws of the land. The idea that they are basing their interpretations on information from an encyclopaedia that anyone can edit is rightfully alarming. The ease with which Wikipedia can be edited raises questions about the accuracy, impartiality and permanence of the information contained on the website. This article examines the citation of Wikipedia by courts of record in Uganda highlighting the limitations and potential pitfalls of this practice.