Which statement best defines 'facts' in notes?

• A. Facts are observable events.
• B. Facts are conclusions.
• C. Opinions are observable.
• D. Facts are impressions.

Answer: (A)

Facts in notes are the observable, verifiable elements of what happened. They capture what you can directly see or hear and confirm later—things like the time an incident occurred, the location, who was present, actions taken, statements made, and measurable details. Facts are objective and serve as the solid basis for reporting; they don’t involve interpretation. Conceptions, such as conclusions drawn from the facts, are not facts themselves; they reflect judgments about meaning or significance. Opinions are personal beliefs about what something means or how someone behaved, and impressions are subjective feelings or sensory reactions. For example, noting that a subject entered a room at 3:15 p.m. and took a tablet from the counter is a fact; saying the subject looked suspicious or that they likely committed a crime would be conclusions or opinions.