# ChainOfFact Proof States

ChainOfFact verification returns one of four states.

## States

MATCH - Evidence exists and is internally consistent
MISMATCH - Recorded data was altered or corrupted
ABSTAIN - Continuity is broken or conflicting
UNKNOWN - No evidence was recorded

These states are exhaustive. ChainOfFact does not return explanations.

## Why ABSTAIN Matters

MISMATCH = tampering detected
ABSTAIN = broken continuity (missing or conflicting history)

This distinction matters in legal contexts.

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Canonical URL: https://chainoffact.com/docs/states