Which statement about notes is true?

Which statement about notes is true?

• A. Notes can be used as evidence in trial and should avoid opinions or conclusions
• B. Notes should include personal judgments and conclusions
• C. Notes should be written only after the investigation is complete
• D. Notes must be destroyed after recording

Answer: (A)

Notes capture what was observed and when, so they can be used as evidence in a trial. Because of that, they should be factual and objective, recording dates, times, places, and actions without injecting personal opinions or conclusions. Keeping notes free of judgments helps ensure they are reliable and can be understood by others reviewing the case. It’s also important to document observations as they happen or soon after, to avoid memory gaps, and to preserve the notes rather than destroying them, so there’s a solid record to refer back to. Personal judgments belong in the analysis or formal reports, not in the raw notes.

Notes capture what was observed and when, so they can be used as evidence in a trial. Because of that, they should be factual and objective, recording dates, times, places, and actions without injecting personal opinions or conclusions. Keeping notes free of judgments helps ensure they are reliable and can be understood by others reviewing the case. It’s also important to document observations as they happen or soon after, to avoid memory gaps, and to preserve the notes rather than destroying them, so there’s a solid record to refer back to. Personal judgments belong in the analysis or formal reports, not in the raw notes.