The words to use
- Steel man
- The strongest, fairest version of the argument you are about to reject. Stating it shows your conclusion was chosen, not assumed.
- Tension
- The two duties that clash in a case, stated in one sentence, such as "her confidentiality against the safety of other road users".
- Defeater
- The specific fact that would change your mind. Naming it turns an opinion into a judgement, and often answers the next follow-up before it is asked.
- Safety net
- What you do after deciding: senior review, local policy, documentation and support for the person. It follows a decision and never replaces one.
