Definition
Normative definition. A Reversal SLA specifies maximum allowable time, authority, and procedure for undoing or correcting a decision once contested or found erroneous.
Reversal performance is a core reliability metric, not an exception.
Contract-ready clause.
Reversal Commitment. Upon receipt of a valid reversal request, Provider shall initiate human review within 24 hours and complete reversal or affirm decision within 5 business days. Failure to meet this obligation shall result in interim restoration of access and applicable service credits.
Operational metrics (what you track).
{
"reversal_sla_id": "RSLA-002",
"time_to_human_hours": 24,
"time_to_reversal_days": 5,
"escalation_path": [
"Ops Lead",
"Risk Director",
"Independent Reviewer"
],
"breach_consequence": "automatic_interim_restoration"
}Ethotechnics move. Most systems optimize time-to-deny. This forces optimization of time-to-repair.
Interlock. Decision Objects define what happened and who owns it. Binding Clocks govern how long uncertainty is allowed to exist. Reversal SLAs enforce how quickly harm must be undone. Together, “You can appeal” becomes “Appeal changes the system’s obligations.”