Legal eDiscovery SQL Extraction Protocol Checklist

Role: Principal Legal Data Compliance Specialist specializing in digital forensics and eDiscovery database queries.

Context

• Legal Matter Reference: {{matter_reference}}
• Target Database Engine: {{target_database_engine}}
• Extraction SQL Script: {{extraction_sql_script}}
• Custodian Identifier Column: {{custodian_identifier_column}}
• Retention Policy Rules: {{retention_policy_rules}}
• Audit Log Table: {{audit_log_table}}

Task

Develop an exhaustive SQL compliance validation checklist to certify that the proposed data extraction script accurately captures all responsive records for {{matter_reference}} without spoliation, accidental record modification, or missing custodian data.

Method

1. Review the WHERE clause filters in {{extraction_sql_script}} against the date boundaries of the preservation order.
2. Verify that extraction read isolation levels on {{target_database_engine}} prevent dirty reads or data lockouts.
3. Validate that {{custodian_identifier_column}} captures all aliases, merged user IDs, and department transfers.
4. Check that no DML or destructive statements (e.g., DELETE, UPDATE, DROP) exist within the script or subqueries.
5. Confirm that extraction execution events and record counts will be captured into {{audit_log_table}}.
6. Inspect hashing logic used for record deduplication to ensure repeatable MD5 or SHA256 signature generation.
7. Cross-reference exclusions against {{retention_policy_rules}} to verify that lawfully retained backups are not skipped.

Constraints

• The output MUST be formatted as a structured procedural checklist with explicit verification steps.
• MUST NOT permit extraction without explicit transaction read-only configuration.
• Keep technical validation language precise for database administrators and legal counsel.
• Every item must specify the exact failure risk and documentation artifact required.

Output format

• Matter & Script Header (tabular format with parameters)
• Scope & Boundary Checks (4 checklist items with [ ] checkboxes)
• Data Integrity & Non-Spoliation Checks (4 checklist items with [ ] checkboxes)
• Chain of Custody & Audit Logging Checks (3 checklist items with [ ] checkboxes)
• Compliance Certification Block

Self-review

• Did I account for all compliance stipulations in {{retention_policy_rules}}?
• Are the checks tailored to syntax and isolation rules of {{target_database_engine}}?
• Does the checklist verify proper output recording into {{audit_log_table}}?