Evidence reports · 2026-10-15
What is a source-linked evidence report?
Understand how a source-linked report connects summaries, timelines and findings back to original messages and files.
A summary is not the source
Summaries can make complex correspondence easier to read, but a trustworthy report should allow readers to check each important claim.
Source-linked reports pair each finding with a reference to the email, document or attachment it came from.
Build a clear report structure
Begin with the question being reviewed, the scope of the documents and the time period. Present a concise chronology, then group significant findings by issue.
Identify uncertainties and missing information clearly rather than filling gaps with guesses.
Check traceability
Before exporting or sharing, confirm that links still point to the expected original records and that quotations match their sources.
A reviewer should be able to distinguish directly observed facts, summaries and interpretations.
Use AI as an assistant, not a substitute for review
AI tools can help organise large collections of correspondence. They can also misunderstand context, so important statements still need human verification against source documents.
MailTrace focuses on keeping source material connected to the timelines and findings you review.