fact-check

name	Fact Check
description	Verify every checkable claim in a draft against primary sources before it publishes.
category	Research

Fact Check

Go through a draft claim by claim and confirm each against a primary source before the story runs.

When to use

• A draft is ready and must be verified before publishing.
• A claim is disputed and needs standing up or removing.

Steps

1. Extract every checkable claim, number, and quote.
2. Trace each to a primary source, not a secondary report.
3. Confirm quotes and context with the source where possible.
4. Flag anything unverifiable and propose a fix or a cut.
5. Log the source behind each verified claim.

Output

A fact-check log: each claim marked verified or flagged, with its source, following the [[Editorial standards]]. Unverified claims do not run.