Reviewer Pattern — Checklist

Pattern: Reviewer
Component: checklist.md
Version: 1.1 | Updated: 2026-07-16

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Gate: Do not merge High-risk changes until every item is checked or waived by a named human distinct from the author.

Intake

• Diff and base revision attached
• Acceptance criteria attached
• Risk profile completed (sensitivity, deployment, PII/payments/AI)
• Test evidence recorded for changed behavior (commands + results in the review notes)

Review execution

• Intent reconstructed from AC before deep code read
• Correctness pass completed (edge cases + error paths)
• Security pass completed or explicitly N/A with reason
• Perf/reliability pass completed
• Maintainability + AC→test map completed
• Prior findings verified closed or reopened

Findings quality

• Every Critical/High has file:line + remediation
• Severity matches reachability × impact
• Nits do not outnumber or obscure blockers
• At least one specific positive note

Verdict and SoD

• Exactly one verdict issued
• No open Critical under Approve
• Author ≠ final approver for High-risk
• Review report linked on the PR