A case activity log and an investigation timeline answer different questions. The timeline asks what happened in the matter. The activity log asks what investigative work was performed and when.
What belongs in the activity log?
Contacts, record requests, interviews conducted, reviews performed, follow-up actions and other case work can be recorded chronologically.
What belongs in the event timeline?
Material events relevant to the underlying case belong in the timeline, ideally with source and verification information.
Why separate them?
Mixing case events with investigative actions can make chronology confusing. A record obtained today may document an event that occurred months earlier.
Connect the two with references
Use stable IDs or references so an activity can point to the timeline entry, source, interview or lead it created.
Build your event chronology with the free CaseWorks Investigation Timeline Template. For integrated case organization, see the Case Management System.
General organizational tools only; not official forms or legal advice.