What is the purpose of a notice of preservation in legal proceedings?

The purpose of a notice of preservation in legal proceedings centers around the necessity of maintaining and safeguarding electronic evidence that may be relevant to an ongoing or anticipated legal dispute. This notice serves as a formal communication to parties involved, advising them of the obligation to preserve certain documents, emails, texts, and other digital content that could be crucial for the case. It is particularly important in today’s legal environment where much of the evidence is stored electronically, and spoliation (the destruction or alteration of evidence) can have significant legal consequences, including sanctions or negative inferences. By issuing a notice of preservation, the party aims to ensure that all relevant electronic evidence remains intact and available for examination throughout the litigation process.