“She is explaining how she recognized irregularities in the document.”
I removed another sheet from the folder.
“I preserved several records from that period of my life.”
“I kept copies of training materials, case notes, and examples of document authentication procedures.”
“I recognized the formatting used in this agreement because it is not the formatting used by Mr. Calder’s firm.”
Calder’s face changed.
Only slightly.
But enough.
“The document contains a metadata inconsistency,” I continued.
“The file properties indicate that the agreement was created and revised on a computer associated with Ellison Precision Systems, not by the law office that supposedly prepared it.”
“That is not possible,” Calder said.
“It is possible.”
“Documents can be transferred.”
“Yes.”
“And metadata can change.”
“Yes.”
“That proves nothing.”
“It does not prove who altered the file.”
“But it establishes that the document should not be treated as unquestioned evidence.”
Judge Porter extended her hand.
