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Plain English

Courts grapple with how to interpret emojis | Learn English expression 'figure that'

Sep 18, 2023
Exploring how courts interpret emojis in legal cases and the challenges it presents. The varying interpretations of emojis and the need for an emoji dictionary. Understanding the phrase 'figure that' and its usage. Examples of emojis leading to misinterpretation in financial and personal contexts.
23:08

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Quick takeaways

  • Emojis in legal cases pose challenges for judges due to the lack of universally accepted definitions and differing interpretations across cultures and devices.
  • Misinterpretation of emojis in court cases has led to complex legal decisions, highlighting the subjective nature of emoji interpretation and the potential for differing meanings.

Deep dives

Emojis in Legal Cases

Emojis are increasingly being used in legal cases, creating a challenge for judges to interpret their meaning. A Canadian court had to decide whether a thumbs up emoji in a text message indicated agreement to a proposed contract or only acknowledged receipt of the contract. The court ruled in favor of the grain dealer, stating that the emoji signified agreement. Emojis have also played a role in a securities fraud case in Washington, D.C., where an investor used a full moon with face emoji in a sarcastic tweet about a failing company. Some online investors interpreted the emoji as a signal to buy the stock, resulting in financial losses and a lawsuit.

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