Decision Lifecycle

Decision Lifecycle Mechanics

Defines how records move from draft to sealed state while preserving authority, effective time, and historical continuity.

FrameworkImplementation
DraftCreated
AuthorityDefined
RecordSealed
AmendmentsRecorded

Purpose

Lifecycle discipline

Without defined lifecycle states, records can be modified, replaced, or interpreted inconsistently over time.

The lifecycle ensures that authority is defined before records advance and that sealed records remain immutable.

Lifecycle

Four conceptual stages

  1. 01

    Draft record

    A decision begins as a draft record. Intent, scope, and authority context are documented before the record can proceed toward sealing.

  2. 02

    Authority defined

    The authority basis for the record is explicitly defined. This ensures that decisions are linked to a clear mandate rather than implicit understanding.

  3. 03

    Record sealed

    Once sealed, a record becomes immutable. Its content and effective time are preserved as part of the permanent decision history.

  4. 04

    Amendments recorded

    Future changes do not modify sealed records. Instead, amendments create new records that reference the prior decision.

Guarantees

What the lifecycle preserves

  1. 01
    Authority precedes execution.
  2. 02
    Sealed records remain immutable.
  3. 03
    Amendments preserve continuity.

Implementation

System enforcement

Lifecycle defines progression.

Implementation enforces those transitions through controlled state logic and sealing.