JSON API · Datatype

Agitation

City demonstration-law documents (type: "agitation"): signage, sound, recording, permits, buffer zones, and police interaction across the municipal, county, state, and federal layers. Everything the datatype contains is on this page.

A record, end to end

One real published city record, abridged. Flip the tiers to see exactly what each file adds — every field below is documented on this page.

agitation/<slug>.json

{
  "schema": "abhortion.org/agitation.summary/v1",
  "id": "agitation-us-ma-boston",
  "type": "agitation",
  "level": "city",
  "jurisdiction": "Boston, Massachusetts",
  "as_of_date": "2026-07-18",
  "research_completed_date": "2026-07-18",
  "headline": "Moderate rules; strong sidewalk speech rights",
  "summary": "Peaceful sidewalk advocacy generally needs no permit, but Boston regulates amplification, noise, obstruction,…",
  "machine_readable_summary": {
    "overall_posture": "moderate",
    "recording_consent_regime": "all_party",
    "open_recording_in_public_lawful": true,
    "right_to_record_police_recognized": "recognized",
    "amplification_permit_required": "conditional",
    "amplification_banned_areas": true,
    "…": "+20 more fields"
  },
  "links": {
    "html": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.html",
    "markdown": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.md",
    "summary_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.json",
    "full_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston-full.json",
    "verbose_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston-verbose.json"
  }
}

{
  "schema": "abhortion.org/agitation.full/v1",
  "id": "agitation-us-ma-boston",
  "type": "agitation",
  "level": "city",
  "jurisdiction": "Boston, Massachusetts",
  "as_of_date": "2026-07-18",
  "research_completed_date": "2026-07-18",
  "headline": "Moderate rules; strong sidewalk speech rights",
  "summary": "Peaceful sidewalk advocacy generally needs no permit, but Boston regulates amplification, noise, obstruction,…",
  "machine_readable_summary": {
    "overall_posture": "moderate",
    "recording_consent_regime": "all_party",
    "open_recording_in_public_lawful": true,
    "…": "+23 more fields"
  },
  "links": {
    "html": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.html",
    "markdown": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.md",
    "summary_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.json",
    "full_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston-full.json",
    "verbose_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston-verbose.json"
  },
  "overview": {
    "title": "Moderate rules; strong sidewalk speech rights",
    "summary": "Peaceful sidewalk advocacy generally needs no permit, but Boston regulates amplification, noise…",
    "description": "A person may generally carry signs, leaflet, speak, and record openly on a Boston public sidewa…",
    "verification": "verified",
    "confidence": "high",
    "sources": [
      {
        "name": "American Legal Publishing",
        "href": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/boston/latest/boston_ma/0-0-0-11591"
      }
    ]
  },
  "sections": {
    "legal_layers": {
      "which_law_governs": {
        "title": "City and state law govern; no county ordinance layer",
        "summary": "Boston ordinances and Massachusetts statutes govern city sidewalks; the live Boston code states…",
        "description": "The relevant legal layers are Boston ordinances, Massachusetts statutes, and federal and state …",
        "verification": "verified",
        "…": "+2 more keys"
      },
      "county_law": [
        {
          "title": "No Suffolk County ordinances apply",
          "county": "Suffolk County",
          "summary": "The current Boston code states that no Suffolk County ordinances apply, leaving no county demon…",
          "description": "There is no operative Suffolk County ordinance layer for a person demonstrating in Boston. Cons…",
          "…": "+3 more keys"
        }
      ],
      "federal_baseline": {
        "title": "First Circuit protects public police recording",
        "summary": "Boston sidewalks and parks are traditional public forums, and the First Circuit recognizes a Fi…",
        "description": "Speech on public sidewalks and parks receives especially strong First Amendment protection. Pol…",
        "verification": "verified",
        "…": "+2 more keys"
      }
    },
    "…": "+8 more sections"
  },
  "penalties": [
    {
      "level": "civil infraction",
      "offense": "Unreasonable noise / public-way loud amplification — Boston Municipal Code § 16-26.8",
      "penalty": "First $50; second $100; third and later $200 within 12 months",
      "verification": "verify_before_publication",
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "American Legal Publishing",
          "href": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/boston/latest/boston_ma/0-0-0-11600"
        }
      ]
    },
    "… +5 more items"
  ],
  "recent_changes": [
    {
      "date": "2022-03-09",
      "event": "Boston Ordinance 2022 c. 2 enacted the current targeted-residential-picketing rule, codified at…",
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "American Legal Publishing",
          "href": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/boston/latest/boston_ma/0-0-0-13077"
        }
      ]
    },
    "… +4 more items"
  ],
  "pending_changes": [
    {
      "name": "S.1204 — An Act updating the Commonwealth's wiretap statutes",
      "type": "state_legislation",
      "status": "Reported favorably by the Judiciary and referred to Senate Ways and Means on 2025-10-09; still …",
      "effect": "If enacted, the bill could amend Massachusetts wiretap law, which could affect recording rules …",
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "Massachusetts Legislature",
          "href": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1204"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "key_authorities": [
    {
      "name": "Boston Noise Ordinance",
      "citation": "Boston Municipal Code §§ 16-26.1, 16-26.8, 16-26.13",
      "type": "municipal_code",
      "url": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/boston/latest/boston_ma/0-0-0-11560",
      "why": "Defines dB(A) and audible-distance standards, bars loud amplification in public places, and ide…"
    },
    "… +9 more items"
  ],
  "research_notes": {
    "overall_confidence": "medium",
    "editor_notes": "This adjudicated survey is current through 2026-07-18. The Massachusetts 194th General Court re…",
    "gaps": [
      "No official City enactment record was opened to independently confirm whether amendments postda…",
      "… +4 more items"
    ]
  }
}

{
  "schema": "abhortion.org/agitation.verbose/v1",
  "id": "agitation-us-ma-boston",
  "type": "agitation",
  "level": "city",
  "jurisdiction": "Boston, Massachusetts",
  "as_of_date": "2026-07-18",
  "research_completed_date": "2026-07-18",
  "headline": "Moderate rules; strong sidewalk speech rights",
  "summary": "Peaceful sidewalk advocacy generally needs no permit, but Boston regulates amplification, noise, obstruction,…",
  "machine_readable_summary": {
    "overall_posture": "moderate",
    "recording_consent_regime": "all_party",
    "open_recording_in_public_lawful": true,
    "…": "+23 more fields"
  },
  "links": {
    "html": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.html",
    "markdown": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.md",
    "summary_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.json",
    "full_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston-full.json",
    "verbose_json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston-verbose.json"
  },
  "overview": {
    "title": "Moderate rules; strong sidewalk speech rights",
    "summary": "Peaceful sidewalk advocacy generally needs no permit, but Boston regulates amplification, noise…",
    "description": "A person may generally carry signs, leaflet, speak, and record openly on a Boston public sidewa…",
    "legal_analysis": "Boston Municipal Code chapter XVI supplies the principal local rules. Massachusetts statutes go…",
    "quote": "It shall be unlawful ... to operate a loud amplification device ... in a public way or ... publ…",
    "note": "The municipal-code platform identifies its version as 2026 S-2; verify later City enactments be…",
    "verification": "verified",
    "confidence": "high",
    "…": "+1 more key"
  },
  "sections": {
    "legal_layers": {
      "which_law_governs": {
        "title": "City and state law govern; no county ordinance layer",
        "summary": "Boston ordinances and Massachusetts statutes govern city sidewalks; the live Boston code states…",
        "description": "The relevant legal layers are Boston ordinances, Massachusetts statutes, and federal and state …",
        "legal_analysis": "Boston acts under home-rule authority subject to state-law constraints. The live municipal code…",
        "…": "+4 more keys"
      },
      "county_law": [
        {
          "title": "No Suffolk County ordinances apply",
          "county": "Suffolk County",
          "summary": "The current Boston code states that no Suffolk County ordinances apply, leaving no county demon…",
          "description": "There is no operative Suffolk County ordinance layer for a person demonstrating in Boston. Cons…",
          "…": "+6 more keys"
        }
      ],
      "federal_baseline": {
        "title": "First Circuit protects public police recording",
        "summary": "Boston sidewalks and parks are traditional public forums, and the First Circuit recognizes a Fi…",
        "description": "Speech on public sidewalks and parks receives especially strong First Amendment protection. Pol…",
        "legal_analysis": "Glik holds that peaceful filming of police in a public space is protected First Amendment activ…",
        "…": "+5 more keys"
      }
    },
    "…": "+8 more sections"
  },
  "penalties": [
    {
      "level": "civil infraction",
      "offense": "Unreasonable noise / public-way loud amplification — Boston Municipal Code § 16-26.8",
      "penalty": "First $50; second $100; third and later $200 within 12 months",
      "verification": "verify_before_publication",
      "citations": [
        {
          "name": "American Legal Publishing",
          "href": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/boston/latest/boston_ma/0-0-0-11600",
          "citation": "Boston Municipal Code § 16-26.11",
          "pinpoint": "§ 16-26.11",
          "…": "+3 more keys"
        }
      ]
    },
    "… +5 more items"
  ],
  "recent_changes": [
    {
      "date": "2022-03-09",
      "event": "Boston Ordinance 2022 c. 2 enacted the current targeted-residential-picketing rule, codified at…",
      "citations": [
        {
          "name": "American Legal Publishing",
          "href": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/boston/latest/boston_ma/0-0-0-13077",
          "citation": "Boston Municipal Code § 16-64",
          "pinpoint": "historical note",
          "…": "+3 more keys"
        }
      ]
    },
    "… +4 more items"
  ],
  "pending_changes": [
    {
      "name": "S.1204 — An Act updating the Commonwealth's wiretap statutes",
      "type": "state_legislation",
      "status": "Reported favorably by the Judiciary and referred to Senate Ways and Means on 2025-10-09; still …",
      "effect": "If enacted, the bill could amend Massachusetts wiretap law, which could affect recording rules …",
      "citations": [
        {
          "name": "Massachusetts Legislature",
          "href": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1204",
          "citation": "Mass. S.1204 (194th General Court)",
          "pinpoint": "bill history, 2025-10-09",
          "…": "+3 more keys"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "key_authorities": [
    {
      "name": "Boston Noise Ordinance",
      "citation": "Boston Municipal Code §§ 16-26.1, 16-26.8, 16-26.13",
      "type": "municipal_code",
      "url": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/boston/latest/boston_ma/0-0-0-11560",
      "why": "Defines dB(A) and audible-distance standards, bars loud amplification in public places, and ide…"
    },
    "… +9 more items"
  ],
  "research_notes": {
    "overall_confidence": "medium",
    "editor_notes": "This adjudicated survey is current through 2026-07-18. The Massachusetts 194th General Court re…",
    "gaps": [
      "No official City enactment record was opened to independently confirm whether amendments postda…",
      "… +4 more items"
    ]
  }
}

Lines in this colour are elisions made for this page, not part of the format.

Which file do I want?

If you are…	Fetch
Building a map, a comparison table, or a filter over jurisdictions	`<id>.json` S
Rendering the written analysis — sections, penalties, timelines	`<id>-full.json` F
Quoting the law, or checking a claim against its source	`<id>-verbose.json` V

The tiers are cumulative — moving up a tier never drops information. The full file contains every field the summary file has; the verbose file contains everything in the full file. The one transformation: each compact sources array is expanded in place into a richer citations array — the same links, plus verbatim quotes and formal citations. The S/F/V badges above each table mark which tiers carry those fields.

<id>.json — summary S: identity, headline/summary, the full machine-readable summary, and links.
<id>-full.json — full F: all of the above plus the whole document body (overview, sections, penalties, changes, authorities) with compact sources — but without the heavy legal-analysis/quote/citation detail.
<id>-verbose.json — verbose V: everything in the full file, with sources upgraded to full citations and each finding gaining legal_analysis and a verbatim quote.

Conventions

These hold across every file documented on this page.

Minified	All JSON is emitted minified (single line). Pretty-print it locally if you need to read it.
Key-addressable	Content is reached by key, not by searching arrays — e.g. `sections.methods.medication`, `sections.exceptions.life`. The only fixed-enum array (`exceptions`) is published as an object keyed by `exception_type`.
Absent = not applicable	Empty values (`null`, `""`, `[]`, `{}`) are omitted. A missing key means "not present / not applicable", never "we forgot".
Ordered lists stay arrays	`penalties`, `recent_changes`, `pending_changes`, and `key_authorities` are arrays — order is meaningful and they have no unique key.
Absolute cross-links	The `links` block on every record uses absolute `https://www.abhortion.org` URLs.

Files

Index: https://www.abhortion.org/agitation.json
Per city: /agitation/<slug>.json + -full.json + -verbose.json (e.g. minneapolis)

Index items carry id, city, state, jurisdiction, population_rank, a posture object ({ code, label }), and links. Note the per-city documents do not repeat state/counties/population_rank — those live on the index item.

one item from https://www.abhortion.org/agitation.json

{
  "id": "agitation-us-ma-boston",
  "city": "Boston",
  "state": "MA",
  "jurisdiction": "Boston, Massachusetts",
  "population_rank": 25,
  "posture": {
    "code": "moderate",
    "label": "Moderate regulation"
  },
  "links": {
    "html": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.html",
    "markdown": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.md",
    "json": "https://www.abhortion.org/agitation/boston.json"
  }
}

The record envelope

Every record documented on this page shares this top-level shape.

Field	Type	Tiers	Description
`schema`	string	SFV	Identifies the module and tier, e.g. `abhortion.org/legislation.summary/v1`. The three tiers use the suffixes `.summary`, `.full`, and `.verbose`.
`id`	string	SFV	Stable record id, e.g. `legality-us-mn` or `agitation-us-mn-minneapolis`.
`type`	string	SFV	Module: `legislation` or `agitation`.
`level`	string	SFV	Jurisdiction level: `state`, `federal`, `province`, or `city`.
`jurisdiction`	string	SFV	Human-readable jurisdiction name (e.g. "Minnesota", "Minneapolis, Minnesota").
`as_of_date`	string (YYYY-MM-DD)	SFV	Date the legal analysis is current through.
`research_completed_date`	string (YYYY-MM-DD)	SFV	Date the underlying research was completed.
`headline`	string	SFV	Short table-cell label for the jurisdiction (extracted from the overview finding).
`summary`	string	SFV	One-sentence bottom line (extracted from the overview finding).
`machine_readable_summary`	object	SFV	The flat, machine-readable determination set — present in every tier (it is what makes the light summary file self-sufficient). Module-specific — documented per document type below. See machine_readable_summary.
`overview`	finding	SFV	The jurisdiction overview, as a finding atom (the source of `headline` and `summary`).
`sections`	object	SFV	The body content, keyed by section name. Documented per document type below. See sections.
`penalties`	array	SFV	Penalty rows (see “Penalties, changes & authorities”).
`recent_changes`	array	SFV	Dated timeline of changes.
`pending_changes`	array	SFV	Live litigation / legislation / rulemaking.
`key_authorities`	array	SFV	The controlling authorities.
`research_notes`	object	SFV	Overall confidence, unresolved gaps, and editor notes.
`links`	object	SFV	Absolute URLs to the sibling representations: `html`, `markdown`, and the JSON tiers (`summary_json`, `full_json`, `verbose_json`).

The finding atom

The recurring unit of content. overview is one; most sections leaves are too. Its fields depend on the tier.

Field	Type	Tiers	Description
`title`	string	SFV	Short table-cell label — the finding’s bottom line in 2–6 words.
`summary`	string	SFV	Exactly one sentence: the finding’s bottom line, display-ready.
`description`	string	SFV	A 2–6 sentence plain-language explanation a layperson can read as-is.
`type`	string	SFV	Present only on exception findings — the `exception_type` value (also the key under `sections.exceptions`).
`county`	string	SFV	Present only on `legal_layers.county_law` findings (agitation) — the county name.
`verification`	enum	SFV	How well-confirmed the finding is. `verified` The quoted text was confirmed at the cited URL. `verify_before_publication` Well-supported, but the exact text was not confirmed at a primary source. Confirm before relying on it. `semi_verified` Added by the research runner, not the model: the model marked it verified but none of the cited pages were opened in full during the run (matched search snippets only). Stronger than verify_before_publication, weaker than verified. `conflicting_sources` Authorities genuinely disagree; the conflict is named in the finding’s conflicting_authority (verbose tier). `not_applicable` The jurisdiction has no law on this point; the summaries explain the resulting default.
`confidence`	enum	SFV	How settled the legal conclusion is. `high` The legal conclusion is settled. `medium` Reasonably settled, some uncertainty. `low` Unsettled — e.g. an enjoined statute whose future effect is unclear. Independent of whether the quote itself was verified.
`sources`	array of {name, href}	SFV	Compact source links (full tier only). Each: `name` (publisher) + `href` (direct URL).
`legal_analysis`	string	SFV	The precise legal treatment for a legally literate reader (verbose tier only).
`quote`	string	SFV	The single most operative statutory/case text, verbatim (verbose tier only).
`conflicting_authority`	string	SFV	Present when authorities disagree — names the conflict and cites both sides.
`note`	string	SFV	An editor’s note to the reader: caveats or what to re-check.
`citations`	array of citation objects	SFV	Full citations (verbose tier only) — replaces `sources`. See below.

`machine_readable_summary`

All fields below appear in SFV summary · full · verbose
Field	Type	Description
`overall_posture`	enum	How heavily the city regulates public demonstration overall, as enforced. `permissive` Light regulation. `moderate` Moderate regulation. `restrictive` Heavy regulation.
`recording_consent_regime`	enum	The STATE’s conversation-recording rule. `one_party` One-party consent. `all_party` All-party consent. `mixed` Differs by context (e.g. criminal vs civil, in-person vs electronic).
`open_recording_in_public_lawful`	boolean \| 'qualified'	Whether openly recording people in public is lawful.
`right_to_record_police_recognized`	enum	Whether the controlling federal circuit recognizes a right to record police in public. `recognized` Recognized. `qualified` Recognized with significant qualifications. `unrecognized` Not recognized in this circuit.
`amplification_permit_required`	enum	Whether amplified sound on public sidewalks/parks requires a permit. `always` Always required. `conditional` Depends on location, time, or device. `no` Not required.
`amplification_banned_areas`	boolean	Whether any public areas flatly ban amplified sound.
`noise_standard`	enum	The measurement standard the operative noise ordinance uses. `decibel` A decibel limit. `plainly_audible` A "plainly audible at N feet" standard. `distance` A distance-based standard. `nuisance` A general nuisance standard. `multiple` Multiple standards combined.
`daytime_noise_limit`	string \| null	Display string of the operative daytime limit (e.g. "70 dBA at 25 ft"); `null` if none.
`quiet_hours`	string \| null	Display string (e.g. "10pm–7am"); `null` if none.
`medical_facility_noise_rule`	boolean	A noise rule specific to hospitals/healthcare facilities.
`handheld_sign_restrictions`	boolean	Any restriction on carrying handheld signs on public sidewalks.
`sign_pole_material_rules`	boolean	Restrictions on sticks, poles, or sign-support materials.
`graphic_imagery_restrictions`	boolean \| 'unclear'	Any ordinance/practice restricting graphic sign imagery.
`assembly_permit_threshold`	number \| null	Participants above which a permit is required for a stationary sidewalk assembly; `0` if always required, `null` if never.
`spontaneous_assembly_exception`	boolean \| 'not_applicable'	Whether the permit scheme exempts spontaneous/small assemblies.
`leafleting_restricted`	boolean	Any restriction on leafleting beyond littering laws.
`healthcare_buffer_zone`	enum	Any buffer/bubble zone around healthcare facilities applicable in this city. `none` None. `municipal` Municipal only. `state` State only. `both` Both municipal and state.
`buffer_zone_summary`	string \| null	Display string (e.g. "8-ft bubble within 100 ft of entrance (state)"); `null` if none.
`residential_picketing_ban`	enum	Restrictions on picketing outside private residences. `none` No restriction. `targeted_only` Reaches targeted residential picketing (incl. via harassment/restraining-order law), not a broad ban. `broad` A broad ban.
`sidewalk_obstruction_ordinance`	boolean	An ordinance criminalizing obstructing sidewalks or entrances.
`school_area_restrictions`	boolean	Demonstration/noise restrictions specific to schools in session.
`county_code_applies_in_city`	enum	Whether county ordinances operate inside city limits. `no` County code does not apply in the city. `partially` Applies partially. `yes` Applies. `no_county` Independent city or federal district — no county layer.
`anti_mask_law`	boolean	A state/local law restricting masks/face coverings at gatherings.
`stop_and_identify_state`	boolean	Whether state (or DC) law compels identifying oneself to police during a lawful detention.
`typical_violation_level`	string	Display string for how ordinance violations are typically charged (e.g. "civil infraction, $250").
`major_pending_change`	boolean	True iff the `pending_changes` array is non-empty.

`sections`

All sections below appear in SFV full · verbose
Section key	Shape	What it documents
`legal_layers`	group of findings	Which law governs (`which_law_governs`), `county_law` (an array of findings, one per county, each with a `county` field — empty for independent cities/DC), and the First Amendment overlay (`federal_baseline`).
`signage`	group of findings — keys: `handheld_signs`, `sticks_poles_materials`, `stationary_and_attached_displays`, `graphic_imagery`	Rules on signs, sign supports, attached/unattended displays, and graphic imagery.
`sound_and_amplification`	group of findings — keys: `amplified_sound`, `noise_limits`, `unamplified_voice`, `sensitive_locations`	Amplification permits, noise standards, unamplified voice, and sensitive locations.
`recording_and_photography`	group of findings — keys: `state_consent_law`, `recording_in_public`, `recording_police`, `publishing_footage`, `drones`	Consent law, recording in public / of police, publishing footage, and drones.
`assembly_and_permits`	group of findings — keys: `permit_scheme`, `fees_insurance_indemnification`, `spontaneous_and_small_groups`, `denial_and_appeal`	Permit thresholds, fees/insurance, small-group exemptions, and denial/appeal.
`location_rules`	group of findings — keys: `sidewalks_and_streets`, `parks_and_plazas`, `healthcare_buffer_zones`, `residential_picketing`, `schools_and_other_sensitive_sites`	Obstruction, parks, healthcare buffer zones, residential picketing, and sensitive sites.
`person_to_person`	group of findings — keys: `leafleting`, `approaching_people`, `harassment_and_disorderly`, `anonymity_and_masks`	Leafleting, approaching listeners, harassment/disorderly law, and masks/anonymity.
`police_interaction`	group of findings — keys: `identification`, `dispersal_orders`, `common_charges_and_outcomes`	Stop-and-identify, dispersal orders, and the charges demonstrators actually receive.
`enforcement_reality`	finding	Law-in-effect vs law-on-the-books: what is actually enforced, consent decrees, recent incidents.
`federal_jurisdiction_layers`	finding (DC only)	Washington, DC adds this after enforcement_reality.

penalties[]

Agitation penalty rows carry a level (offense grade) instead of an actor.

All fields below appear in SFV full · verbose
Field	Type	Description
`level`	string	Offense grade — e.g. "misdemeanor", "felony class C" (agitation documents). Absent on legislation rows.
`offense`	string	The offense as charged, with code section.
`penalty`	string	Sentence range, fines, license consequences.
`verification`	enum	Verification status for the row. `verified` The quoted text was confirmed at the cited URL. `verify_before_publication` Well-supported, but the exact text was not confirmed at a primary source. Confirm before relying on it. `semi_verified` Added by the research runner, not the model: the model marked it verified but none of the cited pages were opened in full during the run (matched search snippets only). Stronger than verify_before_publication, weaker than verified. `conflicting_sources` Authorities genuinely disagree; the conflict is named in the finding’s conflicting_authority (verbose tier). `not_applicable` The jurisdiction has no law on this point; the summaries explain the resulting default.
`sources`	array of {name, href}	Compact source links (full tier).
`citations`	array of citation objects	Full citations (verbose tier) — replaces `sources`.

recent_changes[]

A dated timeline of changes already in force, oldest first.

All fields below appear in SFV full · verbose
Field	Type	Description
`date`	string (YYYY-MM-DD)	When the change took effect.
`event`	string	What changed, as display text.
`sources`	array of {name, href}	Compact source links (full tier).
`citations`	array of citation objects	Full citations (verbose tier) — replaces `sources`.

pending_changes[]

Live litigation, bills, ballot measures, and rulemaking that could still move the law.

All fields below appear in SFV full · verbose
Field	Type	Description
`name`	string	The case, bill, measure, or rulemaking.
`status`	string	Where it currently stands.
`effect`	string	What would change if it succeeds.
`type`	enum	What kind of pending change this is. `litigation` Live court case. `legislation` A pending bill (state or federal legislature). `ballot_measure` A qualified ballot initiative (US state). `rulemaking` Pending administrative rulemaking (US federal). `executive_action` Pending executive action (US federal). `regulation` Pending regulation (Canada). `ordinance` A pending city ordinance (agitation). `state_legislation` A pending state bill affecting a city (agitation). `policy` An announced policy or enforcement change.
`sources`	array of {name, href}	Compact source links (full tier).
`citations`	array of citation objects	Full citations (verbose tier) — replaces `sources`.

key_authorities[]

The controlling authorities for the document, deduplicated.

All fields below appear in SFV full · verbose
Field	Type	Description
`name`	string	Common name of the authority.
`citation`	string	Formal legal citation.
`url`	string	Direct link to the authority.
`why`	string	One sentence on why it controls.
`type`	enum	Kind of authority. `statute` A statute or code section. `case` A judicial opinion. `regulation` A regulation. `constitution` A constitutional provision. `ballot_measure` A ballot measure (US state). `agency_action` An agency action (federal documents). `regulator_policy` A professional-regulator policy (Canada). `municipal_code` A municipal code section (agitation). `county_code` A county code section (agitation). `consent_decree` A consent decree (agitation).

research_notes

How much weight the document itself will bear.

All fields below appear in SFV full · verbose
Field	Type	Description
`overall_confidence`	enum	Confidence in the document as a whole. `high` The legal conclusion is settled. `medium` Reasonably settled, some uncertainty. `low` Unsettled — e.g. an enjoined statute whose future effect is unclear. Independent of whether the quote itself was verified.
`editor_notes`	string	Editor’s note on the document. Present only when non-empty.
`gaps`	array of strings	Unresolved points the research could not settle. Present only when non-empty.

Source & citation objects

In the full tier, sources are compact { name, href } objects. In the verbose tier they are replaced by richer citation objects.

Citation fields appear in SFV verbose
Field	Type	Description
`name`	string	Publisher of the URL (e.g. "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes").
`href`	string	Direct URL to the specific provision or opinion.
`citation`	string	Formal legal citation (e.g. "Minn. Stat. § 145.409").
`pinpoint`	string	Subsection, paragraph, or page the quote appears in. Absent if the whole document is the target.
`quote`	string	The exact text at this URL supporting the claim, verbatim.
`source_type`	enum	Kind of source. `statute` A statute or code section. `case` A judicial opinion. `regulation` An administrative regulation or rule. `constitution` A constitutional provision. `ag_opinion` An attorney-general opinion. `agency_guidance` Guidance issued by an agency. `ballot_measure` A ballot initiative or referendum. `municipal_code` A city ordinance / municipal code section (agitation). `county_code` A county ordinance / code section (agitation). `consent_decree` A consent decree or settlement (agitation). `secondary` A secondary source (news, advocacy, scholarship) — only ever an additional citation, never the sole support.
`accessed`	string	Which edition/version of the source the quote reflects. Absent if not meaningful.