Date filtering applies a start and end date to the collection, typically based on document creation, modification, or sent date. The applicable date field must be specified since documents carry several.

Attachments inherit the parent's date in most implementations.

Alternative Names:

Date Range Filtering, Temporal Culling

Why it Matters?

Which date field is used produces materially different results, and parties frequently agree to a date range without specifying the field. An email sent in 2019 and last modified in 2022 falls inside or outside a filter depending on the choice. Documents predating the relevant period also matter more often than expected, since prior notice and course of dealing evidence typically predates the events in dispute.

Frequently Confused with

Frequently asked questions

Which date field should be used?

Which date field should be used?

It must be specified in the protocol. Sent date, creation date, and last modified date produce materially different results for the same collection.

Why include documents predating the events?

Why include documents predating the events?

Because notice, course of dealing, and policy evidence typically predates the incident, and a filter starting at the incident date excludes it.