verify-evidence-independence

Purpose

Determine whether a finding is supported by independent evidence channels rather than one source lineage.

Input contract

required: [finding, evidence_records, independence_definition]
optional: [source_lineage, search_scope, stopping_rule]
constraints: [independence claims require explicit lineage and channel distinctions]

Procedure

1. Group records by source, method, dataset, and citation lineage.
2. Identify channels that are independent under the supplied definition.
3. Compare direction, effect, and contradiction across channels.
4. Return support status, dependence risks, and remaining search needs.

Output contract

produces: [independence_assessment, independent_evidence_set, dependence_risks, open_questions]
delta_fields: [evidence_updates, uncertainties, open_questions]