Assessing Evidence - Star Ratings
Restoring the Record - Bucks and Wadey - gives a simple way of evaluating evidence by awarding a number of stars to each individual piece of evidence. Summing the total then can give an indication as to the quality and value of the evidence as a whole. Most evidence is not conclusive in itself. The evidence must be taken as a whole.The star system is designed to be a guide as to the value of the evidence and judging if it is sufficient to make an application. It is only a guide. The ultimate test is only when the evidence is formally considered eg at a Public Inquiry.
This assistant provides a quick and easy way to get a reasonable estimate of the star value of the evidence by answering a simple set of questions and record this in the research record. The assistant follows the principles and values set in Restoring the Record.
Restoring the Record indicates that a total of 7 or 8 stars should be sufficient for a basic evidential text to enable an application to be accepted by the Highways Authority. However realistically a score of 12 or more stars will give an application a much better chance of success.