Provenance
/prəˈvɛnəns/
Definitions
- (n.) The origin or source of something, especially the history of ownership of a document or artifact relevant in legal contexts such as evidence or intellectual property.
The provenance of the disputed manuscript was established through expert testimony.
- (n.) In law, the documented history that authenticates a legal document’s chain of custody or title transfer.
The lawyer demonstrated the provenance of the deed to prove rightful ownership.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Provenance is critical in verifying authenticity and rights in property and evidentiary contexts; precise documentation is key in legal drafting.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.