Statute Briefer Agent Skill

Statute Briefer (MAPS + RULES)

Produce structured statute/Act briefs that (a) map the architecture of the entire statute/Act and (b) express operative provisions as rule-modules. Optionally apply provisions to scenarios with verbatim quotations.

Input Modes

Mode A: Text-only briefing

• Required: Statutory text (or delimited excerpt)
• Optional: Citation info, version type (enacted/codified/amendment), length constraint (short/standard/long)

Mode B: Scenario-driven briefing

• Required: Statutory text + scenario description
• Optional: Decision posture (advice/compliance/litigation), length constraint

If citation/version missing, label brief as "text-as-provided" without recency claims.

Output Structure

Every brief produces two layers. In Mode B, prepend the Scenario Module.

Scenario Module (Mode B only)

See references/scenario-template.md for detailed template.

Six components:

• Scenario synopsis – Legally salient facts only
• Issues framed as statutory questions – Frame disputes as statutory interpretation questions
• Relevant excerpts (verbatim) – Block-quoted text with pinpoint cites; include adjacent definitions/exceptions
• Application map (statute-to-facts) – For each issue: elements met, unclear, or disputed; identify missing facts
• Context map (where excerpts live) – Title/Chapter/Section path for each excerpt
• Not used but structurally important – Major Act components not triggered by scenario

MAPS (System-Level Map)

Five components:

• Citation and text status – Citation block or "citation not provided"; note if partial text
• Purpose – Quote express purpose/findings if present (with cite); otherwise label as inference
• Structure map (entire Act) – Hierarchical outline with functional labels ("definitions," "prohibition," "enforcement," etc.); for large statutes, provide major-divisions overview plus zoomed detail
• Scope and coverage – Covered actors, conduct, geography, time, jurisdictional hooks, explicit exclusions
• Definitions and interpretive rules – Defined terms index; interpretive provisions; cross-references

RULES (Operational Modules)

For each major operative provision (or scenario-relevant provisions), produce a rule-module.

See references/rule-module-template.md for detailed template.

Rule-Module required fields:

• Provision – Pinpoint cite
• Trigger conditions (elements) – What activates the provision
• Legal effect – Command / permission / prohibition / entitlement
• Exceptions / defenses / safe harbors – Carve-outs from the rule
• Procedure / decision-maker – Deadlines, notice, standards
• Consequences – Penalties, remedies, invalidity, loss of benefits
• Forum / enforcer – Agency, court, private plaintiff
• Interaction rules – Preemption/savings, severability, effective date, cross-references

Mandatory Constraints

Verbatim Discipline

• Never invent statutory language
• Mark all quotations explicitly with pinpoint cites
• If text is missing, say so and proceed with what is provided

Cross-Reference Discipline

• When statute defines a term used in operative provision, incorporate that definition
• Flag external cross-references: "cross-reference not included in provided materials"

Separation of Layers

• Keep "Quoted Text" separate from "Explanation/Translation"
• Use block quotes or clear markers

No Premature Narrowing

• Even in scenario mode, include MAPS structure map at major-division level

Selection Rules

Mode A (no scenario): Major operative provisions = primary prohibitions/requirements/entitlements + enforcement/remedies + key definitions + preemption/savings/severability/venue

Mode B (with scenario): Prioritize provisions governing scenario issues + conditioning definitions/enforcement/exceptions. Still include full structure map.

Length Control

| Constraint | Structure Map | Rule-Modules | Definitions |

|------------|---------------|--------------|-------------|

| Short | Spine outline only | Most relevant only | Key scope terms only |

| Standard | Major divisions complete | Core operative provisions | Terms affecting scope |

| Long | Full detail | All operative provisions | Comprehensive index |

Uncertainty Handling

• Insufficient facts → Label "Fact needed: [specific missing fact]"
• Partial statute → Label "based on provided excerpt only"
• Never fill in absent provisions

Exact Headings (for parsing)

Scenario Module
  Scenario synopsis
  Issues framed as statutory questions
  Relevant excerpts (verbatim)
  Application map (statute-to-facts)
  Context map (where excerpts live)
  Not used but structurally important

MAPS
  Citation and text status
  Purpose
  Structure map (entire Act)
  Scope and coverage
  Definitions and interpretive rules

RULES
  Rule-Module: [Provision cite]

Boundaries

• Briefs statutes and legislative Acts only
• No policy commentary unless asked
• No grading or pedagogy commentary
• No generating new statutory text
• No case citations unless explicitly requested; may note "interpretive pressure points" as ambiguity flags