Start by identifying the document
A company statement sets out one party’s position. A parliamentary question records matters awaiting a response. An indictment contains the prosecution’s allegations. These documents are not interchangeable.
A reader’s first question should be: “Who produced this document, for what purpose and at what stage?” Omitting the nature of a source may make a headline more striking while leaving readers less informed.
Read dates alongside subsequent developments
An old report circulating today does not mean a new event has occurred. A decision may be followed by an objection, appeal or another procedural step. Compare the dates of the original report and later developments.
Similar company names or activities in the same country do not establish that two reports concern the same case. Question connections made without matching contracts, parties, courts and case numbers.
Look at what the figures represent
Fines, forfeiture, restitution, compensation and contract values are different categories. Combining them under one label can distort a comparison. A report should also explain whether a sum was paid, requested or promised.
The Ledgers aims to give readers access to the supporting material and clarity about the information behind an assessment. Strong reporting should allow its claims to be checked.
About this article
This is an editorial assessment by The Ledgers. It makes no allegation of criminal conduct against any particular person or company.