Decision Record Layer (DRL): A Procedural Accountability Layer for Reasoned Decision-Making

This record introduces the concept of the Decision Record Layer (DRL), an abstract procedural layer designed to preserve the rationale of a decision at the moment it is made, prior to the emergence of outcomes. DRL addresses the gap between documented decisions and undocumented decision context by capturing available information, acknowledged uncertainties, considered alternatives, and the formal act of assuming responsibility. The concept is positioned within procedural accountability and reasoned decision-making, rather than automation or safety-critical systems. This publication serves as a conceptual disclosure intended to establish priority; implementation details are deliberately omitted.