Evidence guides
The fundamentals of message evidence
Six short guides to the questions that come up every time messages are used as evidence: how they are authenticated, why screenshots get challenged, what timestamps really mean, how to keep messages safe, and how to number exhibits.
- 01AuthenticationHow to authenticate text messages for courtLearn the evidence foundations for identifying text messages, explaining an export, preserving context, and checking file integrity.
- 02ScreenshotsScreenshots vs. full message exportsCompare chat screenshots, full exports, and specialist phone acquisitions, including context, timestamps, identity, and preservation limits.
- 03TimestampsMessage timestamps and time zones explainedUnderstand chat timestamp formats, missing time zones, daylight saving changes, travel, delivery states, and defensible export ordering.
- 04PreservationHow to save and preserve text messages on iPhonePreserve iPhone texts before deletion: check retention, Messages in iCloud, Recently Deleted, encrypted computer backups, and exports.
- 05ExcerptsMessage excerpts, context, and the rule of completenessPresent focused chat excerpts honestly while preserving full threads, marking gaps, handling redactions, and understanding FRE 106 completeness.
- 06ExhibitsBates numbering and how to label court exhibitsLearn Bates numbering, exhibit labels, PDF pagination, US and England and Wales conventions, plus a practical exhibit list template.