### Question
How is the term original source defined?


### Answer
The term **original source** is defined in *12 U.S.C. § 4204* as the following:

> a person who has direct and independent knowledge of the information contained in the declaration and who voluntarily provided the information to the government prior to the disclosure

#### Citation:
  - *12 U.S.C. § 4204*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 43-ACTIONS AGAINST PERSONS COMMITTING BANK FRAUD CRIMES > SUBCHAPTER I-DECLARATIONS PROVIDING NEW CLAIMS TO UNITED STATES**

