LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is the most accurate evaluation of the government's reply? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first break down the passage and understand the argument presented. The attorneys for a criminal defendant claim that the government has destroyed evidence in a cover-up that would have supported the defendant. The government's response is that there is no evidence that would even tend to support the defendant. The question type is Method of Reasoning (MOR), and we are asked to evaluate the accuracy of the government's reply.

Now, let's analyze each part of the argument. The attorneys' claim can be seen as a premise, while the government's response can be considered a conclusion. However, the government's response does not directly address the attorneys' claim, leaving room for doubt.

To make this easier to understand, let's use a simple example. Suppose the attorneys claim that the government hid a key that would unlock the defendant's innocence. The government's response is that there is no such key. However, this response does not address whether the government hid the key in the first place.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice in detail:

a) It leaves open the question of whether the government had destroyed such evidence.

This answer choice is correct because the government's response does not directly address the attorneys' claim, leaving the question open.

b) It establishes that the attorneys' charge is an exaggeration.

This answer choice is incorrect because the government's response does not provide any evidence or reasoning to prove that the attorneys' claim is an exaggeration.

c) It shows that the attorneys did not know whether their charge was true.

This answer choice is also incorrect, as the government's denial cannot demonstrate the attorneys' state of mind or knowledge of their charge's truth.

d) It demonstrates the government's failure to search for evidence in its files.

This answer choice is incorrect because the government's response is consistent with multiple possibilities, such as a cover-up, integrity, or incompetence. It does not necessarily show a failure to search for evidence.

e) If true, it effectively disproves the charge made on behalf of the defendant.

This answer choice is incorrect because even if it is true that there is no evidence to support the defendant, it is still possible that the evidence once existed and was destroyed. The truth of the government's claim does not necessarily disprove the attorneys' charge.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (a) It leaves open the question of whether the government had destroyed such evidence, as the government's response does not directly address or refute the attorneys' claim.