When a Computer Decides Your Marriage is Over
a done deal: a decision that has been made and cannot be changed
A married couple in the UK was accidentally divorced because of a computer mistake at a law firm. The staff at a law firm, mistakenly opened the wrong file while working on a different client’s divorce. The error led to a divorce order being granted for Mr. and Mrs. Williams, even though they did not intend to separate.
The law firm realized the mistake three days later and tried to cancel the order. However, the judge, Sir Andrew McFarlane, refused to cancel it. He said it was a done deal. Lawyer Ayesha Vardag believes the mistake should have been corrected easily. The judge’s absurd decision means the computer has ultimate authority. Vardag commented, “The computer says no, you’re divorced.”
Sample sentences
1. Once the contract was signed, it was a done deal, and they couldn’t change their minds.
2. After the game started, it was a done deal that they would finish it, even if it rained.
3. When the company decided to close the store, it was a done deal, and the employees had to find new jobs.
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Wrong couple divorced after computer error by law firm Vardag’s