Terms of Use - Matters Under Review

Effective Date: January 15, 2026

By accessing and using MattersUnderReview.org ("the Platform"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree with these terms, you must not use this Platform. These terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use the Platform.

Matters Under Review is an independent civic oversight platform providing:

• Educational resources on government processes and civic engagement
• Tools for accessing and understanding public information
• Documentation of public accountability principles
• Analysis of transparency mechanisms

The Platform is not affiliated with any government agency, political party, or advocacy organization. We operate independently to serve public interest accountability.

All content on this Platform is provided for informational, educational, and civic engagement purposes only. You agree that:

• Content is not legal, financial, or professional advice
• You assume full responsibility for your interpretation and use of information
• You will verify critical information with official sources before taking action
• Historical information may not reflect current policies or procedures

Content is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Accuracy, completeness, or timeliness
• Fitness for a particular purpose
• Non-infringement of third-party rights
• Continuous availability or error-free operation

Matters Under Review makes reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy but does not guarantee the Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or free from errors.

By using this Platform, you agree to:

• Use content lawfully and ethically
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Not engage in harassment, threats, or unlawful activities
• Not misrepresent your identity or affiliation
• Not attempt to compromise Platform security or functionality

Matters Under Review advocates exclusively for peaceful, lawful civic participation, including:

• Contacting elected officials through proper channels
• Attending public meetings and hearings
• Voting in elections
• Filing ethical complaints through established procedures
• Engaging in protected First Amendment activities
• Using public records request processes

We expressly condemn and do not support:

• Violence, threats, or intimidation
• Unlawful obstruction of government functions
• Destruction of property
• Activities that endanger public safety
• Fraudulent or malicious use of public processes

The Platform may contain:

• Links to external websites and resources
• References to third-party documents and records
• User-submitted content (where applicable)

We are not responsible for:

• Content on linked third-party sites
• Accuracy of external resources
• Actions taken based on third-party information
• Privacy practices of external sites

Unless otherwise noted:

• All original content is property of Matters Under Review
• Public records and government documents remain public domain
• Third-party content is used under fair use or with permission
• You may share and reference our content with proper attribution
• Commercial use requires explicit permission

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Matters Under Review, its operators, affiliates, and contributors from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Any content you submit (where applicable)
• Actions taken based on Platform content

This includes protection against claims under legal doctrines such as "negligent precipitation" or similar theories attempting to hold us liable for independent actions of third parties.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Matters Under Review shall not be liable for any:

• Direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of data, profits, or business opportunities
• Personal injury or property damage
• Claims arising from Platform use or inability to use
• Actions taken based on Platform content

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Platform
• Update content without notice
• Restrict access to certain features
• Terminate accounts for violations (where applicable)

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of [Your State], without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action or proceeding shall be brought in the appropriate courts located in [Your State].

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

We may update these Terms of Use periodically. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms. We will note the effective date of the most recent revision.

Matters Under Review operates exclusively as an educational and research publication. By using this platform, you acknowledge and agree that:

• All content is provided for informational and educational purposes only
• We do not offer personal advice, case consultation, or direct assistance
• We are not responsible for implementation or outcomes based on our content
• For specific situations requiring professional guidance, consult qualified experts in your jurisdiction
• No client, attorney-client, or fiduciary relationship is established through use of this platform