Terms of Service

Welcome to Clutch and Clutch Justice (“Clutch,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of this website and any associated content, tools, newsletters, databases, or services (collectively, the “Site”).

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Site.

1. About Clutch

Clutch is an independent journalism and legal-analysis platform focused on public accountability, institutional transparency, and the administration of justice. Our work includes original reporting, investigative journalism, document analysis, explanatory journalism, and clearly labeled commentary.

Clutch operates with editorial independence and does not act on behalf of any government entity, political party, or private interest.

2. Editorial Standards and Transparency

Clutch adheres to the following principles:

  • Clear distinction between reporting, analysis, and opinion
  • Source-based factual reporting wherever possible
  • Corrections or clarifications when material errors are identified
  • Disclosure of uncertainty when facts are incomplete or contested

Some articles may include interpretation, critique, or contextual analysis. These are labeled or framed accordingly and should not be interpreted as statements of undisputed fact unless explicitly stated and sourced.

Content on this Site is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, medical advice, or professional services, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Readers should consult qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances.

4. Accuracy, Updates, and Corrections

Clutch makes reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. However:

  • Information may evolve after publication
  • Source materials may later be clarified or corrected
  • New facts may emerge

We reserve the right to update, annotate, or correct content. Substantive corrections will be made transparently where appropriate.

5. User Conduct and Community Standards

Users agree not to:

  • Submit false, misleading, or defamatory information
  • Harass, threaten, or intimidate others
  • Interfere with the Site’s functionality or security
  • Impersonate individuals or misrepresent affiliations
  • Use the Site for unauthorized commercial solicitation

We reserve the right to moderate comments, remove content, or restrict access to maintain journalistic integrity and community safety.

6. User Submissions and Tips

Clutch may accept reader submissions, tips, comments, or documents.

By submitting material, you represent that:

  • You have the right to submit it
  • Submission does not violate any law or third-party rights

Unless explicitly agreed in writing:

  • Submissions are not guaranteed to be confidential
  • Publication is not guaranteed
  • Clutch may edit, anonymize, summarize, or decline submissions

7. Intellectual Property and Content Use

All original content on this Site is the intellectual property of Clutch unless otherwise credited.

You may:

  • Link to our content
  • Quote brief excerpts with attribution and a link

You may not:

  • Republish full articles without permission
  • Remove attribution
  • Use content for commercial purposes without authorization

The Site may reference or link to third-party documents, court records, government sources, or external websites. Clutch does not control or endorse third-party content and is not responsible for its accuracy or availability.

9. Disclaimers

The Site and its content are provided “as is” and “as available.” Clutch makes no warranties regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability for any particular purpose.

Use of the Site is at your own risk.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Clutch shall not be liable for any damages arising from use of or reliance on the Site or its content, including but not limited to indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Clutch from claims or liabilities arising from:

  • Your use of the Site
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Content you submit

12. Privacy

Your use of the Site is governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains data collection, analytics, cookies, and reader privacy practices.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. Continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

15. Contact and Editorial Inquiries

Questions regarding these Terms, corrections, or editorial matters may be directed to: hello@clutchjustice.com