Proof States

ChainOfFact verification returns one of four states.

State Meaning
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.