# `PRIOR-template.md`

The template for `out/prior.md`, the analyst's expectations written before it can see results.

## What it holds

Eight sections. 1 what the analyst expects the scheme to hold, with the `exemplar rule:` line (how B1 chooses among quotes that all pass a gate); 2 expectations about the model, including the operator's, recorded so E1 can say whether it held; 3 the three failure shares (`does-not-compose` above 15 per cent, particulars above 50 per cent, corrections met twice above ten); 4 the temporal brackets, from the canvas's own events; 5 the rule for a coordinating turn; 6 the onset contrast; 7 the D4 distance weights and grades (w = 4, 2, 1, 0.5; g = 1, 0.5, 0, -1); 8 the concept floor and the off-platform threshold for `cannot-tell`.

## Who writes it, and when

The analyst writes `prior.md` from it: sections 1 to 6 at the start of B1, before the scheme exists; 7 and 8 at D1, before any adaptation. The template says each part is sealed by the harness when written and amended only by a logged departure.

## Why it exists

Contract §1: "The verdict is pre-registered", and writing expectations down at B1 is "the only instrument for telling a finding from a prior." `distance.py` reads §7 and `handoff.py` reads §8.

## Where

[PRIOR-template.md](../../../aggregator/runs/claude-v43-1/00_GIVE-THE-AGENT/PRIOR-template.md); source [aggregator/instrument/PRIOR-template.md](../../../aggregator/instrument/PRIOR-template.md).

Checked against: PRIOR-template.md, CONTRACT-aggregator.md §1, tools/distance.py, tools/handoff.py.