Corrections strengthen accuracy.

Purpose

This principle affirms that identifying and repairing mistakes improves the reliability of the record.

Principle

Corrections strengthen accuracy.

Meaning

When an error is acknowledged and amended through proper process, the resulting record more closely reflects what occurred. Correction increases clarity and confidence.

Refinement is part of responsibility.

Why This Matters

• Future readers rely on precision.
• Honest repair builds credibility.
• Communities gain confidence in record keepers.
• Accuracy improves over time rather than degrading.

Correction as Stewardship

Caring for knowledge includes maintaining it. Leaving mistakes unaddressed allows distortion to spread.

Examples

• Fixing misheard wording after review.
• Adjusting dates or names.
• Adding missing context.
• Clarifying ambiguity discovered later.

Correction vs Alteration

Correction aims at truth. Alteration seeks advantage.

The difference is intention and transparency.

Risks if Avoided

• Errors harden into “facts.”
• Trust declines.
• Misinterpretation grows.
• Later repair becomes harder.

Safeguards

• Encourage reporting of mistakes.
• Maintain visible change history.
• Separate original material from updates.
• Involve lawful authorities when meaning is affected.

Cross-references

• Errors Must Be Identified and Corrected
• Recording Requires Careful Attention to Accuracy
• Revision Does Not Imply Instability of Law
• Version History Supports Transparency
• Accuracy and Restraint Preserve Integrity

Notes

Future development may include community review practices.