Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, and the description adds meaningful behavioral context by stating it confirms the evidence has not been tampered with, existed at the claimed timestamp, and is independently verifiable. This goes beyond the safety profile provided by annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose, and no filler. The instruction to pass the evidence_id is placed at the end but is concise and directly actionable.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple single-parameter tool with clear annotations and no output schema, the description is largely complete. It indicates what the tool confirms, which serves as an outcome expectation. A minor gap is that it doesn't specify the exact return format, but this is compensated by its simplicity and behavioral clarity.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%: the only parameter evidence_id is described as 'Evidence record UUID'. The description repeats this by saying 'Pass the evidence_id (UUID)', adding no new semantic detail beyond what the schema already provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb ('Verify') and resource ('authenticity and integrity of a specific evidence record'), and clearly distinguishes from sibling tools like verify_evidence_anchor_integrity and verify_vacation_rental_trust_chain by focusing on a single evidence record. It further specifies what verification entails: tamper resistance, timestamp existence, and independent verifiability.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear context: it is for verifying a specific evidence record, and it instructs to pass the evidence_id. It does not explicitly mention when not to use it or name alternative tools, but the scope is obvious from the wording.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.