id: K10
number: 10
title: Interpretation and Disputes
layer: kernel
clauses:
  - id: K10.1
    title: Plain meaning
    text: >-
      Clauses are read by their plain, normalized text. Notes, titles, and
      rationale may inform interpretation but never override text.
  - id: K10.2
    title: Tests are precedent
    text: >-
      A constitutional test that has been ratified into the test suite is
      a binding interpretation of the clauses it exercises. Where prose is
      ambiguous and a test resolves the ambiguity, the test controls.
      Every exploit discovered in adversarial play becomes a permanent
      regression test by patch-class proposal.
  - id: K10.3
    title: Dispute resolution
    text: >-
      A dispute about meaning is resolved by an interpretation proposal: a
      proposal adding a test or clarifying text, ratified at the class its
      diff requires. The gate's verdict on any proposal is final unless
      and until a later ratified proposal changes the rules prospectively.
  - id: K10.4
    title: Prospective only
    text: >-
      No amendment applies retroactively. No ratified proposal may be
      unwound except by a new proposal acting prospectively. This clause
      is entrenched by invariant INV-5.