Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
We receive many questions. Most are, themselves, unprecedented. We answer them anyway.
What does a Certificate of No Precedent actually prove?
It proves, to our research team's satisfaction, that we could not find a prior instance of the described action, structure, or event within the scope of our search. The certificate specifies the scope. It does not prove the thing is objectively unprecedented in the history of the universe. We are thorough, not omniscient. If you later discover a prior instance, you may notify us. We will acknowledge it. The certificate will be amended. We have had to amend eleven certificates. We consider this part of the service.
What courts or institutions accept the certificate?
None that we are aware of. The certificate has no legal standing. It is not admissible as evidence. It does not constitute an expert opinion in any jurisdiction we have researched. We are transparent about this. The certificate is meaningful to the people for whom it is meaningful. Several clients have cited it in academic papers, with the appropriate caveats. We support this approach.
How long does the research take?
Between two and six weeks, depending on complexity. Simple requests — interpersonal firsts, unusual personal decisions — typically resolve in two weeks. Structural or institutional claims require broader research and can take longer. We do not rush. A certificate issued hastily is not a certificate worth having.
What happens if you find a precedent?
We issue a Precedent Found Report instead of a certificate. The report describes what we found, where we found it, and how similar it is to the submitted claim. We charge the same fee. The value of knowing is equivalent to the value of not knowing. See the Precedent Exists archive for examples of prior Precedent Found Reports.
Can I submit something trivial?
Yes. We do not evaluate the importance of the claim, only its novelty. Some of our most carefully researched certificates involve matters others might consider minor. The first time a fortune cookie was wrong in a verifiable and documented way is not a matter of global consequence. It is, however, unprecedented, and the person who achieved it deserved to know that. We issued the certificate. We stand by it.
Can I submit something on behalf of a historical event?
Yes, with the understanding that our research scope for historical events is broader and our certainty is accordingly lower. We have certified several historical firsts on behalf of estates, institutions, and individuals documenting past events. The certificate reflects the scope of available research at the time of issuance. History occasionally revises itself. We note this in the certificate language for historical submissions.
What is the certificate printed on?
Acid-free, archival-grade cotton paper, 24lb, with a letterpress border. Embossed seal. The certificate is designed to last. Whatever you've done that's unprecedented — the documentation should outlast the moment. We believe this. It is one of the few things about which we feel strongly.
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