How should messaging screenshots be presented evidentially?¶

Present a screenshot as a visual capture from a stated source and time, not as a complete or self-authenticating conversation record. Preserve the original image and seek native evidence where its contents matter.

Keep provenance and context attached¶

Record who created or supplied the image, when and how, and the platform, account and device context. Retain enough surrounding conversation to show participants, order, timestamps and status indicators. Contact names may be locally assigned rather than provider identities.

Avoid cropping identifiers or adjacent messages from the only preserved version. Keep the original file rather than only an image pasted into a statement or document, and document any redaction or formatting applied to a derivative exhibit.

Explain what the image cannot show¶

A screenshot may omit message IDs, metadata, edits, deleted content, hidden sections, linked-session context and the conversation outside the frame. It can be altered or selectively captured without that being visible from appearance alone.

Where proportionate, compare it with the native conversation, device extraction, export, recipient copy or provider records. Separate what the screen displayed from conclusions about account identity, completeness, endpoint use and human authorship.