How to document digital evidence that holds up
The essentials
- Always two dates (when taken and when secured), series (wide shot, then close-up), and theoriginal never retouched : annotations go on a clearly labelled copy.
- Import quickly, keep the originals on your device, and use a digital fingerprint (a “hash”) to show that a file hasn’t changed since it was imported.
In short, from this page. Every statement is sourced below.
Document your case, free. A dated log, an evidence vault where every exhibit gets its digital fingerprint, a timeline and a report ready to file. Your data stays on your device.
Open the application Up to 3 cases, no credit card · see the plans
A badly taken screenshot falls apart with one question. The good news: the ways of attacking digital evidence are well known, and each one can be closed off in advance. Here is the method, and it works for any case.
Screenshots of conversations
Three simple rules. Identify first : the first screenshot shows the contact card (the name and the number), so that “Kitten” is tied to a real person. Show the times and the app header. Don’t cut anything : the last message in one screenshot has to reappear at the top of the next, so no one can claim there is a gap.
Photos
Always two dates (when taken and when secured), series (wide shot, then close-up), and theoriginal never retouched : annotations go on a clearly labelled copy. No cropping of the original.
Integrity, proven
Import quickly, keep the originals on your device, and use a digital fingerprint (a “hash”) to show that a file hasn’t changed since it was imported. You never prove that the content is true, only when it was recorded and that it hasn’t moved since: that is already far more than a homemade document.
In the app: the built-in camera, the two dates, the sha-256 fingerprints and the order of the screenshots are handled for you, and the Strength checker goes through the case with a fine-tooth comb before every report.
Official sources (consulted July 18, 2026)
Every statement in this guide is backed by an official source. How we verify and correct.
- Act to establish a legal framework for information technology and Code civil du Québec (technology-based documents whose integrity is ensured), on LégisQuébec
- Preuve en main, Integrity methodology
Found an error in this guide? Report it: corrected within 72 hours, and the correction log is public.
Reminder: this is general information; it is not information for anyone in particular. For advice on your situation: legal aid (eligibility based on income), a community justice centre, Juripop, or the Barreau referral service.