> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/core-concepts/evidence-linking.md).

# Evidence Linking

Evidence linking connects each governed state item and governance event back to its originating message or source event. State should not be treated as detached truth - it should remain inspectable in relation to where it came from.

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## What Evidence Linking Enables

* Source attribution for governed state
* Operator review during conflict resolution
* Traceable explanations in the Why Panel
* Historical inspection after supersession or expiry
* Confidence in handoffs between humans and agents

{% hint style="info" %}
**When a user asks why an action was blocked or why a value appears in state, the answer is not just a generated explanation.** The system can point back to evidence and let the operator inspect the originating context.
{% endhint %}

Cogna8 links state to sources inside the Cogna8-managed interaction path. It does not claim omniscient provenance across every external system unless those systems are explicitly integrated.