The Evidence Folders

The case file

Four clerks each carried one evidence folder -- red, blue, green, and yellow -- into the courtroom. The sign-in log kept four notes about who carried which color. Who carried the yellow folder?

The rule: Each clerk carried exactly one folder, and each folder went to exactly one clerk. All four notes are accurate.

The clues

1. Hugo Bain's folder was a cool color (blue or green).
2. Lena Brooks did not receive the green folder.
3. Hugo Bain and Marcus Vale received the same color family (both cool).
4. The red folder went to Owen Hart.

Who did it?

1. Marcus Vale
2. Lena Brooks
3. Owen Hart
4. Hugo Bain

The verdict

Lena Brooks

Only Lena Brooks can hold the yellow folder. Not Marcus Vale: if Marcus Vale carried the yellow folder, "Hugo Bain and Marcus Vale received the same color family (both cool)" could not be true. Not Owen Hart: if Owen Hart carried the yellow folder, "The red folder went to Owen Hart" could not be true. Not Hugo Bain: the four notes together rule Hugo Bain out.