The Detective’s DeskHaris Kent
Usher
“Seat 3 was on the left side.”
EASY · CASE FILE
The balcony seat
Easy · SILVERLEAF CONCERT HALL
Three ushers describe balcony seat locations. The seating convention applies to every seat number mentioned, and left and right are viewed from the labelled entrance on the supplied plan.
Read the case file below, or open the interactive desk to examine records, keep notes and submit your reasoning. These are the case materials, without the solution.
Your assignment
Inspect, test and record the finding. What does the verified record establish?
- The source records are verified and their stated conditions apply to every account.
- Find the account contradicted by a record. A contradiction alone does not establish wrongdoing.
People and accounts
Imogen Fox
Usher
“Seat 5 was on the left side.”
Gia Marsh
Usher
“Seat 8 was on the left side.”
Case records
Read each record on its own terms. A claim made by a person is different from a fact established by an independent record.
BALCONY SEATING PLAN
Odd left, even right
Every odd-numbered balcony seat is on the left of the central aisle. Every even-numbered seat is on the right. There are no exceptions or renumbered seats.
This is a verified source record for this case. Compare its stated facts with the exact question.
PHOTOGRAPH
The performance poster
The poster names the orchestra and conductor. It shows no seating plan.
The poster names the orchestra and conductor. It shows no seating plan.
DESK RECORD
The coat-check token
A loose coat-check token was numbered 8, but it was not a seat ticket.
A loose coat-check token was numbered 8, but it was not a seat ticket.
Questions to resolve
Audit all three statements against the verified record.
- Haris Kent — “Seat 3 was on the left side.”
- Imogen Fox — “Seat 5 was on the left side.”
- Gia Marsh — “Seat 8 was on the left side.”
Use the interactive case desk to select your finding and cite the records that support it. The answer is checked there, and your progress stays in your browser.
Build your finding
Compare the records with each account. Work out what the evidence establishes, then separate that finding from anything it does not prove.