Start with the original
The original is the record in the form and context in which it was received or collected. A copy may be easier to review, but it should remain distinguishable from the original. Preserve the original filename, format, surrounding thread or container, and acquisition details where they exist.
Use stable locators
A locator tells another person where to find the relevant part of a source. Common locators include page and paragraph, timestamp, message date, file identifier, exhibit label, or line number. The locator should be specific enough to repeat the review.
Record provenance
Provenance describes the chain of context around the item: where it came from, when it was received, how it was preserved, whether it was transformed, and who performed the relevant review. Good provenance records process facts without claiming the content itself is true.
Keep review state visible
Proposed, reviewed, accepted, rejected, disputed, and deferred are different states. A traceable record should not make a proposed interpretation look human-approved. When a state changes, preserve enough history to understand what changed and why.
Know the limits
Provenance supports inspection. It does not by itself prove authenticity, admissibility, completeness, or legal sufficiency. Those questions can depend on facts, jurisdiction, procedure, and professional judgment beyond an organization method.
EMB is being built to keep important records and propositions connected to their source, locator, provenance and review state.