# Decision Precedence

When documents conflict, use this precedence order.

1. `docs/00-start/START_HERE.md`
2. `docs/governance/GEOINTEL_CONSTITUTION.md`
3. `docs/governance/ARCHITECTURE_INVARIANTS.md`
4. `docs/governance/FORBIDDEN_DECISIONS.md`
5. ADRs in `adr/`
6. Canonical specs in `docs/specs/`
7. Workflow specs in `docs/workflows/`
8. API/database contracts in `contracts/` and `docs/API_CONTRACTS.md`
9. Current build plans in `docs/build/`
10. Older milestone handoffs and prompts.

## Rule for outdated documents

Older milestone files are historical unless referenced by the current canonical start file. Do not delete them, but do not treat them as higher authority.

## Rule for autonomous improvements

If an improvement is compatible with constitution, invariants, contracts, state machines and golden paths, Codex may implement it. If not, document it as a proposal.