What could be a consequence of drawing a conclusion without referencing the supporting file?

Drawing a conclusion without referencing the supporting file can lead to the evidence being deemed inadmissible in a legal context. In forensic investigations, every conclusion must be substantiated by credible evidence to ensure that the findings can withstand scrutiny in court. Courts require a clear chain of custody and the ability to trace back findings to specific data sources. If conclusions are drawn without proper documentation or references to the original supporting material, opposing parties may challenge the validity of the evidence, potentially leading a judge to rule it inadmissible.

The legal system relies heavily on the integrity of evidence and the process by which conclusions are reached. Therefore, failing to provide a clear connection between conclusions and their evidentiary bases undermines the credibility of the findings and can severely impact the legal process.