How Investigations Work
Every investigation on The Graphic Truth follows a structured process: identify key entities, document their relationships, source every connection, and assign a fact-check status based on the strength of available evidence. The result is an interactive map where readers can evaluate the evidence themselves.
Fact-Check Tiers
Each connection in our system is assigned one of five fact-check statuses, reflecting the level of verification:
Verified
Confirmed by multiple independent, credible sources. Court records, official documents, or corroborated first-hand accounts.
Credible
Supported by reliable reporting from established outlets or credible first-hand testimony, but not yet independently corroborated by multiple sources.
Claimed
Alleged in a single source or testimony. The claim has not been independently verified or refuted. Presented as an allegation, not a fact.
Disputed
Contradicted by credible counter-evidence or denied by involved parties with supporting documentation. The connection remains documented so readers can evaluate both sides.
Debunked
Conclusively disproven by authoritative evidence. Retained in the system for transparency and to prevent the claim from resurfacing unchallenged.
Source Classification
Sources are classified by type to help readers evaluate the nature and origin of the evidence:
Court Records
Legal filings, depositions, trial transcripts, and judicial decisions.
Articles
Published reporting from news outlets, investigative journalism, and longform features.
Documents
Primary documents including government reports, corporate filings, and leaked materials.
Video/Audio
Recorded interviews, footage, and multimedia evidence.
Books
Published books and academic works with relevant content.
Interviews
Direct testimony, whether on the record or attributed to named sources.
Connection Documentation
Every connection between entities includes:
- A clear description of the nature of the relationship.
- At least one cited source supporting the connection.
- A fact-check status reflecting the current state of verification.
- Date ranges where known, to establish when the connection was active.
Editorial Standards
We distinguish clearly between what is proven and what is alleged. Our editorial standards require:
- No connection is presented as fact without adequate sourcing.
- Allegations are clearly labeled and attributed to their source.
- Corrections are made promptly when errors are identified.
- Fact-check statuses are updated as new evidence emerges.
- All editorial decisions are documented and transparent.