How to read our findings

Our words describe the strength and scope of the evidence. These are our reporting conventions; a court's definitions and legal standards depend on the jurisdiction and proceeding.

Allegation

A claim someone has made. We identify who made it and any response. An allegation is not proof.

Documented fact

A narrowly stated fact established by the cited record. A document may establish that someone made an allegation without establishing that the allegation is true.

Supported

The cited evidence supports the specific claim within its stated scope. This is our evidence assessment, not automatically a legal finding.

Refuted

Credible cited evidence contradicts the specific claim. We show the contradiction and material limitations.

Insufficient evidence

Available evidence does not justify a supported or refuted finding. Failure to find evidence is not proof that an event did not occur.

Misleading framing

We identify how wording, selection or missing material context may distort understanding, even when individual statements are accurate. We show the passage, reasoning and alternative interpretations.

Potential legal conflict

Documented facts raise a question under an identified legal provision. We explain the possible fit, missing elements and competing interpretation. This does not establish a violation.

Court finding

A determination actually made by a named court. We identify the case, order, date, issue and procedural stage. We do not extend it beyond what was decided.

Established violation

A violation determined by an identified competent court or authority within its jurisdiction. We name the decision-maker, legal basis, date and status, including an appeal, reversal or vacatur when known. We do not use this label for our own suspicion.

Dismissal on procedural grounds

A case ended on grounds such as standing or jurisdiction. This alone does not establish that its factual allegations were true or false.

Decision on the merits

The court decided substantive issues. We specify which issues; this label does not imply every allegation received a factual trial.

Charge or indictment

A formal accusation in a criminal proceeding. It is not a conviction; the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Conviction / civil liability

Different legal outcomes under different procedures and proof standards. We identify which applies. A civil finding is not a criminal conviction.

Appeal pending / reversed / vacated

We distinguish a decision being challenged from a decision that has been reversed or set aside. The operative order and later rulings control the reported status.

Estimate / inference / hypothesis

An estimate is an approximate value with a method and assumptions. An inference is a reasoned interpretation of evidence. A hypothesis is an explanation to test. None is presented as directly observed fact.

AI assessment / human reviewed

AI assessment means automated analysis under our published standards. Human reviewed means a person actually examined that assessment; it is not implied merely because people wrote the rules.

Our legal-analysis procedure

1. Identify the exact conduct, relevant dates and jurisdiction.
2. Locate the applicable law and its version at the relevant time.
3. Compare evidence against each required legal element and proof standard.
4. Explain counterevidence, defenses, uncertainty and missing information.
5. Separate our analysis from determinations by courts or authorities.
6. Check the order and later procedural history; provide sources and a last-checked date.

The headline-screening tool does not perform this complete legal analysis and cannot issue a violation finding. A legal conclusion proposed by AI remains unverified until the underlying records and legal requirements have been checked.

Reference: U.S. Courts glossary. Our reporting standards · Assessment methodology

Version 0.10.0 · These definitions explain reporting; they are not personal legal advice.