Method
The provenance ledger: how to answer 'how do you know?'
Oct 28 2026 · Method
When a client, a supervisor or a court asks how you know, the ledger is the answer.
Short answer
A provenance ledger is a simple table: each claim, its source, and whether it is authority or reasoning. It takes minutes to keep and it answers the one question that matters — 'how do you know?' — without a scramble. Keep one per matter, attach it to the file, and a verification claim becomes something you can show rather than assert.
Three columns
| Claim | Source | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Limitation period is six years | Limitation Act 1980, s 5 | Authority |
| Clause likely unenforceable | Analysis of these facts | Reasoning |
Why it works
It converts an assertion of care into a record of it. Anyone can check the ledger, which is exactly what makes it valuable.
Written for legal professionals. Not a guarantee of accuracy — always verify every claim against its source, and let a named human sign off. Get the free handbook.