In some cases the advance in communication technology has mixed blessings. The presence of a mobile phone in our pocket or purse allows us to speak to others from just about anywhere on the planet - and that was tragically true in Christchurch, New Zealand this week.
Several people, hopelessly trapped under thousands of tonnes of fallen debris were able to make calls to their loved ones - and to alert rescuers to their precise location. Unfortunately in some cases this was to no avail because to even attempt to use heavy machinery to burrow into the pile would mean instant death to those waiting rescue.
Perhaps it might have been kinder if families had assumed that their loved ones had perished instantly at the moment of collapse. The knowledge that they are doomed to a long and painful death is itself an agony.
No doubt the law will have to give thought to the legality of a trapped person using a mobile phone to dictate a will - that they are destined never to sign. The tragedy of the twin towers made changes to the issuing of death certificates necessary as in many cases bodies could not be recovered.
We live in a time of change - and to keep pace the law must recognise the impact that technology imposes on day to day issues. To do less is to lock ourselves in the past !
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