RE: [ubl-lcsc] Legal aspects of empty elements

["CRAWFORD, Mark" <MCRAWFORD@lmi.org>]

We have already discussed this at length in NDR.  There is no need for the rule you suiggest as we have already made this decision vis a vis use of the nill attribute - Rule 32. Our decision was based on both business and technical requirements and we agreed that empty elements should not be used in transaction-based exchanges. 

Mark


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chin Chee-Kai [mailto:cheekai@softml.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 6:04 AM
> To: UBL LCSC
> Subject: [ubl-lcsc] Legal aspects of empty elements
> 
> 
> This is related, but separate discussion with the empty
> elements found in the sample instances done by Stephen.
> 
> I don't profess to know much about legality, but the
> question I have is based on normal working experience.
> And I'm seeking perhaps some answers or initial thoughts
> on this towards the direction of actual implementation.
> 
> In normal contracts, of which P.O. is one type, there is
> a slight difference between not stating something, as
> opposed to stating an empty return.  
> 
> The difference is mostly acceptable if everything goes 
> well, but becomes basis for sometimes great grounds for 
> dispute when things go astray.  
> 
> Now in the electronic equivalent in XML, the technology
> permits the equivalent of stating empty value (instantiate
> element which contains empty string) versus not stating
> at all (no instantiation).
> 
> So if we have a policy or rule of some sort that says
> we do not instantiate unless instance applications 
> consciously wish to indicate an empty value, then it
> seems to match closer to normal business practice.
> (A more compact instance representation comes as a bonus,
> though I think the implications derived seems to value
> more).
> 
> What does the list think about this?  Or does it fall
> outside LC's scope, or even UBL's scope?
> 
> 
> 
> Best Regards,
> Chin Chee-Kai
> SoftML
> Tel: +65-6820-2979
> Fax: +65-6743-7875
> Email: cheekai@SoftML.Net
> http://SoftML.Net/
> 
> 
> 
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