Legal Definitions - facsimile transmission

Facsimile transmission, commonly known by its abbreviation FAX, refers to the electronic process of sending an exact copy of a document from one location to another. This typically involves scanning a physical document and converting its image into electronic signals, which are then transmitted over a telephone line or network to a receiving device that prints or displays an identical duplicate of the original.

• Example 1: Business Contract Submission

  A small business owner in one city needs to finalize a critical supply contract with a vendor located in another state. After reviewing and physically signing the paper contract, the business owner uses a fax machine to send the signed document to the vendor. The vendor's fax machine then prints an exact replica of the signed contract, allowing the agreement to be quickly executed without waiting for postal mail.

  This illustrates facsimile transmission because an exact visual copy (facsimile) of the original signed contract is sent electronically (transmission) over a distance, ensuring the vendor receives an immediate, identical version for their records.

• Example 2: Medical Record Transfer

  A patient is being transferred from a local clinic to a specialized hospital for emergency treatment. To ensure the hospital staff has immediate access to the patient's complete medical history, including recent test results and physician's notes, the clinic faxes all relevant paper records to the hospital's admissions department. The hospital receives and prints these documents, which are identical to the originals.

  Here, facsimile transmission is used to quickly and accurately transfer sensitive patient information. The exact visual representation of the original medical documents is crucial for proper care, and the electronic transmission ensures speed and fidelity.

• Example 3: Legal Filing Deadline

  An attorney is working against a strict court deadline to file a sworn affidavit. With only minutes to spare before the court clerk's office closes, and unable to deliver the physical document in person, the attorney faxes the signed and notarized affidavit directly to the court's designated fax number for filings. The court receives an immediate, legally acceptable copy of the document, meeting the deadline.

  This demonstrates facsimile transmission as a method for submitting time-sensitive legal documents. The transmission creates an exact electronic duplicate of the original, including signatures and notarizations, which is then received and processed by the court as if it were the physical original.