fix: resolve conflicts for PR #418

Adds mutation-capability table validation so review_pr cannot authorize
merge or delete mutations without their own exact capability rows.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <[email protected]>

docs/llm-workflow-runbooks.md

@@ -281,6 +281,21 @@ same-issue/same-operation lease blocks duplicate work. An expired lease still
 blocks takeover until a recovery review records why the prior work is abandoned,
 completed, or unsafe to continue.
 
+**Issue-lock recovery (#447):** Do not manually seed, restore, or delete
+`/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json` as a normal recovery path. That file is global
+shared state and manual writes can clobber another session's live lease. Use
+`sanctioned recovery` instead:
+
+1. `gitea_lock_issue` on a clean `branches/` worktree (normal path).
+2. Own-branch adoption via #442 when the issue's exact branch is already pushed.
+3. Operator override only when explicitly authorized — record
+   `External-state mutations` and `operator override proof` in the final report.
+
+`gitea_create_pr` rejects lock files that lack sanctioned `lock_provenance`
+metadata. Final-report validation blocks handoffs that hide lock read/write/delete
+under `External-state mutations: none` or mix author PR creation with reviewer
+approval in one run. See also #438 (global lock redesign).
+
 Remote branches matching the issue number are also treated as active work unless
 the recovery review proves the branch is abandoned or superseded. Never delete
 or clean up a branch when it has an active lease, dirty worktree, open PR, or is

final_report_validator.py

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import inspect
 import re
 from typing import Any, Callable
 
+import issue_lock_provenance
 from review_proofs import (
     HANDOFF_HEADING,
     assess_controller_handoff,
@@ -870,6 +871,54 @@ def _rule_reviewer_mutation_ledger(
     )
 
 
+def _rule_shared_issue_lock_external_state(report_text: str) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    result = issue_lock_provenance.assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report_text)
+    if result.get("proven"):
+        return []
+    return _findings_from_reasons(
+        "shared.issue_lock_external_state",
+        result.get("reasons") or [],
+        field="External-state mutations",
+        severity="block",
+        safe_next_action=(
+            "disclose gitea_issue_lock.json read/write/delete under "
+            "External-state mutations; never claim none after lock seeding"
+        ),
+    )
+
+
+def _rule_shared_manual_lock_pr_override(report_text: str) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    result = issue_lock_provenance.assess_manual_lock_pr_without_override(report_text)
+    if result.get("proven"):
+        return []
+    return _findings_from_reasons(
+        "shared.manual_lock_pr_override",
+        result.get("reasons") or [],
+        field="External-state mutations",
+        severity="block",
+        safe_next_action=(
+            "use gitea_lock_issue or #442 adoption instead of manual lock seeding; "
+            "if operator override was authorized, cite override proof"
+        ),
+    )
+
+
+def _rule_shared_author_reviewer_same_run(report_text: str) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    result = issue_lock_provenance.assess_author_reviewer_same_run_report(report_text)
+    if result.get("proven"):
+        return []
+    return _findings_from_reasons(
+        "shared.author_reviewer_same_run",
+        result.get("reasons") or [],
+        field="Review mutations",
+        severity="block",
+        safe_next_action=(
+            "split author PR creation and reviewer approval across separate "
+            "sessions and handoffs"
+        ),
+    )
+
+
 def _rule_reviewer_review_mutation(
     report_text: str,
     *,
@@ -889,10 +938,33 @@ def _rule_reviewer_review_mutation(
     )
 
 
+def _rule_reviewer_mutation_capability_proof(report_text: str) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    from reviewer_mutation_capability_proof import assess_mutation_capability_proof
+
+    result = assess_mutation_capability_proof(report_text)
+    if not result.get("block"):
+        return []
+    return _findings_from_reasons(
+        "reviewer.mutation_capability_proof",
+        result.get("reasons") or [],
+        field="Capabilities proven",
+        severity="block",
+        safe_next_action=result.get("safe_next_action")
+        or "document exact per-mutation capability proof before each mutation",
+    )
+
+
+_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES = (
+    _rule_shared_issue_lock_external_state,
+    _rule_shared_manual_lock_pr_override,
+    _rule_shared_author_reviewer_same_run,
+)
+
 _RULES_BY_TASK: dict[str, list[Callable[..., list[dict[str, str]]]]] = {
     "review_pr": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reviewer_legacy_workspace_mutations,
         _rule_reviewer_vague_mutations_none,
         _rule_reviewer_mutation_categories,
@@ -909,10 +981,12 @@ _RULES_BY_TASK: dict[str, list[Callable[..., list[dict[str, str]]]]] = {
         _rule_reviewer_target_branch_freshness,
         _rule_reviewer_mutation_ledger,
         _rule_reviewer_review_mutation,
+        _rule_reviewer_mutation_capability_proof,
     ],
     "reconcile_already_landed": [
         _rule_reconcile_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reconcile_stale_author_fields,
         _rule_reconcile_eligible_reviewed,
         _rule_reconcile_linked_issue_live,
@@ -924,25 +998,30 @@ _RULES_BY_TASK: dict[str, list[Callable[..., list[dict[str, str]]]]] = {
     "author_issue": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reviewer_vague_mutations_none,
     ],
     "work_issue": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reviewer_vague_mutations_none,
     ],
     "issue_filing": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
     ],
     "inventory": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reconcile_pagination_proof,
     ],
     "issue_selection": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
     ],
 }
 

gitea_mcp_server.py

@@ -538,9 +538,11 @@ import task_capability_map  # noqa: E402
 import review_proofs  # noqa: E402
 import agent_temp_artifacts
 import issue_lock_worktree  # noqa: E402
+import issue_lock_provenance  # noqa: E402
 import already_landed_reconcile  # noqa: E402
 import author_mutation_worktree  # noqa: E402
 import issue_claim_heartbeat  # noqa: E402
+import issue_work_duplicate_gate  # noqa: E402
 import merged_cleanup_reconcile  # noqa: E402
 import reconciler_profile  # noqa: E402
 import reconciliation_workflow  # noqa: E402
@@ -585,7 +587,7 @@ def _load_existing_issue_lock() -> dict | None:
     if not os.path.exists(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE):
         return None
     try:
-        with open(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE, encoding="utf-8") as f:
+        with open(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             data = json.load(f)
         return data if isinstance(data, dict) else None
     except Exception:
@@ -679,6 +681,119 @@ def _branch_entry_name(branch: dict | str) -> str:
     return str(branch.get("name") or branch.get("ref") or "")
 
 
+def _live_fetch_issue_duplicate_context(
+    h: str,
+    o: str,
+    r: str,
+    auth: str,
+    issue_number: int,
+) -> tuple[list[dict], list[str], dict]:
+    """Live open PRs, remote branch names, and claim state for one issue."""
+    base = repo_api_url(h, o, r)
+    open_prs = api_get_all(f"{base}/pulls?state=open", auth)
+    branches = api_get_all(f"{base}/branches", auth)
+    branch_names = [_branch_entry_name(b) for b in branches]
+    issue = api_request("GET", f"{base}/issues/{issue_number}", auth) or {}
+    comments = api_request(
+        "GET", f"{base}/issues/{issue_number}/comments", auth
+    ) or []
+    claim_entry = issue_claim_heartbeat.classify_issue_claim(
+        issue=issue,
+        comments=comments,
+        open_prs=open_prs,
+        branch_names=branch_names,
+    )
+    return open_prs, branch_names, claim_entry
+
+
+# Injectable duplicate-work context fetcher (#400). Production uses the live
+# Gitea API path above; unit tests patch this symbol instead of hitting the
+# network.
+issue_duplicate_context_fetcher = _live_fetch_issue_duplicate_context
+
+
+def _collect_issue_duplicate_context(
+    h: str,
+    o: str,
+    r: str,
+    auth: str,
+    issue_number: int,
+) -> tuple[list[dict], list[str], dict]:
+    return issue_duplicate_context_fetcher(h, o, r, auth, issue_number)
+
+
+def _assess_issue_duplicate_gate(
+    issue_number: int,
+    *,
+    h: str,
+    o: str,
+    r: str,
+    auth: str,
+    locked_branch: str | None = None,
+    phase: str,
+) -> dict:
+    open_prs, branch_names, claim_entry = _collect_issue_duplicate_context(
+        h, o, r, auth, issue_number
+    )
+    return issue_work_duplicate_gate.assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+        issue_number,
+        open_prs=open_prs,
+        branch_names=branch_names,
+        claim_entry=claim_entry,
+        locked_branch=locked_branch,
+        phase=phase,
+    )
+
+
+def _duplicate_gate_block_response(gate: dict, **extra) -> dict:
+    out = {
+        "success": False,
+        "performed": False,
+        "reasons": list(gate.get("reasons") or []),
+        "duplicate_gate": gate,
+        "safe_next_action": gate.get("safe_next_action"),
+    }
+    out.update(extra)
+    return out
+
+
+def _enforce_locked_issue_duplicate_recheck(
+    remote: str,
+    phase: str,
+    *,
+    host: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    repo: str | None = None,
+) -> dict | None:
+    """Re-check duplicate-work gates for the locked issue (#400)."""
+    lock_data = _load_existing_issue_lock()
+    if not lock_data:
+        return None
+    issue_number = int(lock_data.get("issue_number") or 0)
+    locked_branch = lock_data.get("branch_name")
+    if not issue_number:
+        return None
+    h, o, r = _resolve(
+        remote or lock_data.get("remote") or "dadeschools",
+        host or lock_data.get("host"),
+        org or lock_data.get("org"),
+        repo or lock_data.get("repo"),
+    )
+    auth = _auth(h)
+    gate = _assess_issue_duplicate_gate(
+        issue_number,
+        h=h,
+        o=o,
+        r=r,
+        auth=auth,
+        locked_branch=locked_branch,
+        phase=phase,
+    )
+    if gate.get("block"):
+        return gate
+    return None
+
+
 def _reveal_endpoints() -> bool:
     """Admin/debug opt-in (#120): include endpoint URLs and token source
     names in tool output. Off by default so normal LLM-facing responses
@@ -1151,48 +1266,21 @@ def gitea_lock_issue(
             issue_lock_worktree.format_issue_lock_worktree_error(lock_assessment)
         )
 
-    # 2. Check if the issue already has an open PR (reuse protection)
     h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
     auth = _auth(h)
-    url = f"{repo_api_url(h, o, r)}/pulls?state=open"
-
-    try:
-        prs = api_get_all(url, auth)
-    except Exception as e:
-        raise RuntimeError(f"Could not list open PRs to verify issue lock: {e}")
-
-    for pr in prs:
-        pr_head = pr.get("head", {}).get("ref", "")
-        pr_title = pr.get("title", "")
-        pr_body = pr.get("body", "")
-
-        if expected_pattern in pr_head:
-            raise ValueError(
-                f"Issue #{issue_number} is already tied to an open PR (PR #{pr.get('number')}, branch '{pr_head}') (fail closed)"
-            )
-
-        patterns = [
-            f"closes #{issue_number}",
-            f"fixes #{issue_number}",
-        ]
-        text_to_check = f"{pr_title} {pr_body}".lower()
-        if any(p in text_to_check for p in patterns):
-            raise ValueError(
-                f"Issue #{issue_number} is already tied to an open PR (PR #{pr.get('number')}) via Closes/Fixes reference (fail closed)"
-            )
-
-    branch_url = f"{repo_api_url(h, o, r)}/branches"
-    try:
-        branches = api_get_all(branch_url, auth)
-    except Exception as e:
-        raise RuntimeError(f"Could not list branches to verify issue lock: {e}")
-    for branch in branches:
-        name = _branch_entry_name(branch)
-        if expected_pattern in name:
-            raise ValueError(
-                f"Issue #{issue_number} already has matching branch '{name}' "
-                "(fail closed)"
-            )
+    duplicate_gate = _assess_issue_duplicate_gate(
+        issue_number,
+        h=h,
+        o=o,
+        r=r,
+        auth=auth,
+        locked_branch=branch_name,
+        phase=issue_work_duplicate_gate.PHASE_LOCK,
+    )
+    if duplicate_gate.get("block"):
+        raise ValueError("; ".join(duplicate_gate.get("reasons") or [
+            f"duplicate work gate blocked issue #{issue_number} (fail closed)"
+        ]))
 
     work_lease = _build_author_issue_work_lease(
         issue_number=issue_number,
@@ -1208,6 +1296,10 @@ def gitea_lock_issue(
         "repo": r,
         "worktree_path": resolved_worktree,
         "work_lease": work_lease,
+        "lock_provenance": issue_lock_provenance.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+            tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+            claimant=work_lease.get("claimant"),
+        ),
     }
 
     try:
@@ -1238,6 +1330,39 @@ def gitea_lock_issue(
     return result
 
 
+@mcp.tool()
+def gitea_assess_work_issue_duplicate(
+    issue_number: int,
+    branch_name: str | None = None,
+    phase: str = issue_work_duplicate_gate.PHASE_LOCK,
+    remote: str = "dadeschools",
+    host: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    repo: str | None = None,
+) -> dict:
+    """Read-only duplicate-work gate for author sessions before mutations (#400)."""
+    read_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.read")
+    if read_block:
+        return {
+            "success": False,
+            "performed": False,
+            "reasons": read_block,
+            "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.read"),
+        }
+    h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
+    auth = _auth(h)
+    gate = _assess_issue_duplicate_gate(
+        issue_number,
+        h=h,
+        o=o,
+        r=r,
+        auth=auth,
+        locked_branch=branch_name,
+        phase=phase,
+    )
+    return {"success": not gate.get("block"), **gate}
+
+
 @mcp.tool()
 def gitea_create_pr(
     title: str,
@@ -1298,6 +1423,14 @@ def gitea_create_pr(
     except Exception as e:
         raise RuntimeError(f"Could not read issue lock file: {e} (fail closed)")
 
+    lock_provenance_check = issue_lock_provenance.assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(
+        lock_data
+    )
+    if lock_provenance_check["block"]:
+        raise RuntimeError(
+            issue_lock_provenance.format_lock_provenance_error(lock_provenance_check)
+        )
+
     locked_issue = lock_data.get("issue_number")
     locked_branch = lock_data.get("branch_name")
     locked_worktree = lock_data.get("worktree_path")
@@ -1329,6 +1462,21 @@ def gitea_create_pr(
             f"PR title or body must contain 'Closes #{locked_issue}' or 'Fixes #{locked_issue}' exactly to ensure durable tracking (fail closed)"
         )
 
+    duplicate_block = _enforce_locked_issue_duplicate_recheck(
+        remote,
+        issue_work_duplicate_gate.PHASE_CREATE_PR,
+        host=host,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+    )
+    if duplicate_block:
+        return _duplicate_gate_block_response(
+            duplicate_block,
+            number=None,
+            issue_number=locked_issue,
+            branch_name=locked_branch,
+        )
+
     auth = _auth(h)
     url = f"{repo_api_url(h, o, r)}/pulls"
     payload = {"title": title, "body": body, "head": head, "base": base}
@@ -2933,6 +3081,20 @@ def gitea_commit_files(
     if blocked:
         return blocked
 
+    duplicate_block = _enforce_locked_issue_duplicate_recheck(
+        remote,
+        issue_work_duplicate_gate.PHASE_COMMIT,
+        host=host,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+    )
+    if duplicate_block:
+        return _duplicate_gate_block_response(
+            duplicate_block,
+            commit="",
+            branch="",
+        )
+
     verify_preflight_purity(remote)
     processed_files, source_proofs = _prepare_commit_payload_files(files)
 

issue_lock_provenance.py

@@ -0,0 +1,269 @@
+"""Issue-lock provenance and external-state disclosure (#447).
+
+Sanctioned locks are written only by ``gitea_lock_issue`` (or adoption recovery
+#442). Manual seeding of ``/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json`` is unsafe and must be
+blocked at PR creation unless explicit operator override proof is recorded.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import re
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+
+ISSUE_LOCK_FILE = os.environ.get("GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", "/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json")
+
+SOURCE_LOCK_ISSUE = "gitea_lock_issue"
+SOURCE_LOCK_ADOPTION = "gitea_lock_issue_adoption"
+SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE = "operator_override"
+
+SANCTIONED_LOCK_SOURCES = frozenset({
+    SOURCE_LOCK_ISSUE,
+    SOURCE_LOCK_ADOPTION,
+    SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE,
+})
+
+_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE_ENV = "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE"
+
+_ISSUE_LOCK_PATH_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:/tmp/)?gitea_issue_lock\.json",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_LOCK_SEED_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:seed(?:ed|ing)?|restor(?:e|ed|ing)|wrote|written|write|programmatically|"
+    r"hand[- ]forg|manual(?:ly)?).{0,80}gitea_issue_lock",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.DOTALL,
+)
+_LOCK_REMOVE_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:\brm\b|remove|deleted?|unlink).{0,80}gitea_issue_lock",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.DOTALL,
+)
+_LOCK_READ_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:read|loaded?|parsed?).{0,80}gitea_issue_lock",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.DOTALL,
+)
+_EXTERNAL_NONE_RE = re.compile(
+    r"external[- ]state mutations\s*:\s*none\b",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_EXTERNAL_FIELD_RE = re.compile(
+    r"external[- ]state mutations\s*:\s*(.+)$",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_CLEANUP_ONLY_RE = re.compile(
+    r"cleanup mutations\s*:\s*(?:none|lock removed|removed issue lock)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_PR_CREATED_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:\bgitea_create_pr\b|PR\s*#\s*\d+\s+created|created\s+PR\s*#|opened\s+PR\s*#|"
+    r"PR\s+creation\s+(?:succeeded|complete))",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_REVIEW_APPROVE_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:submitted\s+(?:['\"]approve['\"]|approve\s+review)|"
+    r"review decision\s*:\s*approve|approved\s+PR\s*#|gitea_review_pr.*approve)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_OVERRIDE_PROOF_RE = re.compile(
+    r"operator[- ]override\s+proof\s*:\s*(.+)$",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+
+
+def _utc_now_iso() -> str:
+    return datetime.now(timezone.utc).strftime("%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ")
+
+
+def build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+    *,
+    tool: str,
+    source: str = SOURCE_LOCK_ISSUE,
+    claimant: dict | None = None,
+    adoption: dict | None = None,
+) -> dict:
+    """Return provenance metadata stored with a sanctioned lock write."""
+    entry = {
+        "source": source,
+        "written_at": _utc_now_iso(),
+        "written_by_tool": tool,
+        "lock_file_path": ISSUE_LOCK_FILE,
+    }
+    if claimant:
+        entry["claimant"] = claimant
+    if adoption:
+        entry["adoption"] = adoption
+    return entry
+
+
+def operator_override_requested() -> bool:
+    return os.environ.get(_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE_ENV, "").strip().lower() in {
+        "1",
+        "true",
+        "yes",
+    }
+
+
+def build_operator_override_provenance(*, reason: str, claimant: dict | None = None) -> dict:
+    text = (reason or "").strip()
+    if not text:
+        raise ValueError(
+            "operator override requires a non-empty override reason (fail closed)"
+        )
+    entry = build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+        tool="operator_override",
+        source=SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE,
+        claimant=claimant,
+    )
+    entry["override_reason"] = text
+    return entry
+
+
+def assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(lock_data: dict | None) -> dict:
+    """Fail closed when lock file lacks sanctioned provenance (#447)."""
+    data = lock_data if isinstance(lock_data, dict) else {}
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    provenance = data.get("lock_provenance")
+    if not isinstance(provenance, dict):
+        reasons.append(
+            "issue lock file lacks sanctioned lock_provenance; manual seeding is "
+            "not a normal recovery path — call gitea_lock_issue or use #442 adoption"
+        )
+        return _provenance_result(False, reasons, provenance)
+
+    source = str(provenance.get("source") or "").strip()
+    if source not in SANCTIONED_LOCK_SOURCES:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"issue lock provenance source '{source or '(missing)'}' is not sanctioned"
+        )
+
+    if source == SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE and not str(
+        provenance.get("override_reason") or ""
+    ).strip():
+        reasons.append(
+            "operator_override lock provenance requires override_reason proof"
+        )
+
+    if not data.get("work_lease"):
+        reasons.append("issue lock file missing work_lease metadata")
+
+    if not str(provenance.get("written_by_tool") or "").strip():
+        reasons.append("issue lock provenance missing written_by_tool")
+
+    proven = not reasons
+    return _provenance_result(proven, reasons, provenance)
+
+
+def _provenance_result(proven: bool, reasons: list[str], provenance: dict | None) -> dict:
+    return {
+        "proven": proven,
+        "block": not proven,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "lock_provenance": provenance,
+    }
+
+
+def format_lock_provenance_error(assessment: dict) -> str:
+    reasons = "; ".join(assessment.get("reasons") or ["unknown lock provenance violation"])
+    return f"Issue lock provenance guard (#447): {reasons} (fail closed)"
+
+
+def _lock_activity_detected(text: str) -> dict[str, bool]:
+    body = text or ""
+    return {
+        "seed_or_restore": bool(_LOCK_SEED_RE.search(body)),
+        "remove": bool(_LOCK_REMOVE_RE.search(body)),
+        "read": bool(_LOCK_READ_RE.search(body)),
+    }
+
+
+def _external_state_discloses_lock(text: str) -> bool:
+    match = _EXTERNAL_FIELD_RE.search(text or "")
+    if not match:
+        return False
+    value = (match.group(1) or "").strip().lower()
+    if value in {"", "none", "n/a"}:
+        return False
+    return "lock" in value or "gitea_issue_lock" in value or "issue-lock" in value
+
+
+def assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report_text: str) -> dict:
+    """Require explicit external-state disclosure for issue-lock mutations (#447)."""
+    text = report_text or ""
+    activity = _lock_activity_detected(text)
+    if not any(activity.values()):
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": [], "activity": activity}
+
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    disclosed = _external_state_discloses_lock(text)
+
+    if activity["seed_or_restore"] and _EXTERNAL_NONE_RE.search(text):
+        reasons.append(
+            "report mentions seeding/restoring gitea_issue_lock.json but claims "
+            "External-state mutations: none"
+        )
+    elif activity["seed_or_restore"] and not disclosed:
+        reasons.append(
+            "report mentions issue-lock file activity but External-state mutations "
+            "does not disclose read/write of gitea_issue_lock.json"
+        )
+
+    if activity["remove"]:
+        if _EXTERNAL_NONE_RE.search(text):
+            reasons.append(
+                "report mentions removing gitea_issue_lock.json but claims "
+                "External-state mutations: none"
+            )
+        elif not disclosed and _CLEANUP_ONLY_RE.search(text):
+            reasons.append(
+                "report removes issue lock but classifies it as cleanup only; "
+                "record under External-state mutations"
+            )
+        elif not disclosed:
+            reasons.append(
+                "report mentions deleting issue lock without External-state "
+                "mutation disclosure"
+            )
+
+    proven = not reasons
+    return {
+        "proven": proven,
+        "block": not proven,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "activity": activity,
+    }
+
+
+def assess_manual_lock_pr_without_override(report_text: str) -> dict:
+    """Block reports that created a PR via manual lock seed without override proof."""
+    text = report_text or ""
+    seeded = bool(_LOCK_SEED_RE.search(text))
+    created = bool(_PR_CREATED_RE.search(text))
+    if not (seeded and created):
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": []}
+
+    if _OVERRIDE_PROOF_RE.search(text):
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": []}
+
+    return {
+        "proven": False,
+        "block": True,
+        "reasons": [
+            "report created/opened a PR after manual issue-lock seeding without "
+            "operator override proof"
+        ],
+    }
+
+
+def assess_author_reviewer_same_run_report(report_text: str) -> dict:
+    """Reviewer handoff must not create and approve the same PR in one run (#447)."""
+    text = report_text or ""
+    if not (_PR_CREATED_RE.search(text) and _REVIEW_APPROVE_RE.search(text)):
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": []}
+    return {
+        "proven": False,
+        "block": True,
+        "reasons": [
+            "report mixes author-side PR creation and reviewer approval in one "
+            "final handoff; split author and reviewer sessions"
+        ],
+    }

issue_work_duplicate_gate.py

@@ -0,0 +1,180 @@
+"""Early duplicate-work detection for author work-issue sessions (#400)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import Any
+
+import issue_claim_heartbeat as claim_hb
+
+PHASE_LOCK = "lock_issue"
+PHASE_COMMIT = "commit"
+PHASE_PUSH = "push"
+PHASE_CREATE_PR = "create_pr"
+
+OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED = "duplicate_pr_prevented"
+OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED = "duplicate_branch_prevented"
+OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED = "duplicate_commit_prevented"
+OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED = "duplicate_work_not_prevented"
+
+_ACTIVE_CLAIM_STATUSES = frozenset({"active", "awaiting_review"})
+
+
+def _issue_pattern(issue_number: int) -> str:
+    return f"issue-{int(issue_number)}"
+
+
+def _linked_open_pr(issue_number: int, open_prs: list[dict]) -> dict | None:
+    return claim_hb._linked_open_pr(issue_number, open_prs)
+
+
+def _matching_branches(
+    issue_number: int,
+    branch_names: list[str],
+    *,
+    locked_branch: str | None = None,
+) -> list[str]:
+    pattern = _issue_pattern(issue_number)
+    matches = [
+        name for name in (branch_names or [])
+        if pattern in (name or "").lower()
+    ]
+    if locked_branch:
+        locked = locked_branch.strip()
+        matches = [name for name in matches if name != locked]
+    return matches
+
+
+def assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+    issue_number: int,
+    *,
+    open_prs: list[dict] | None = None,
+    branch_names: list[str] | None = None,
+    claim_entry: dict | None = None,
+    locked_branch: str | None = None,
+    phase: str = PHASE_LOCK,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Fail closed when duplicate work is already in flight for an issue."""
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED
+    prs = list(open_prs or [])
+    branches = list(branch_names or [])
+    pattern = _issue_pattern(issue_number)
+
+    linked = _linked_open_pr(issue_number, prs)
+    if linked:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"open PR #{linked.get('number')} already covers issue "
+            f"#{issue_number} (fail closed)"
+        )
+        outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED
+
+    conflicting_branches = _matching_branches(
+        issue_number, branches, locked_branch=locked_branch
+    )
+    if conflicting_branches:
+        names = ", ".join(conflicting_branches[:5])
+        reasons.append(
+            f"remote branch(es) already match issue pattern '{pattern}': "
+            f"{names} (fail closed)"
+        )
+        if outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED:
+            outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED
+
+    entry = claim_entry or {}
+    if entry.get("linked_open_pr") and not linked:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"claim inventory reports open PR #{entry['linked_open_pr']} "
+            f"for issue #{issue_number} (fail closed)"
+        )
+        outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED
+
+    status = (entry.get("status") or "").strip().lower()
+    if status in _ACTIVE_CLAIM_STATUSES and not linked:
+        heartbeat = entry.get("latest_heartbeat") or {}
+        claim_branch = (heartbeat.get("branch") or "").strip()
+        if locked_branch and claim_branch and claim_branch != locked_branch:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"active claim lease on branch '{claim_branch}' blocks "
+                f"work on '{locked_branch}' for issue #{issue_number} "
+                "(fail closed)"
+            )
+            if outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED:
+                outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED
+        elif not locked_branch and status == "active":
+            reasons.append(
+                f"issue #{issue_number} has an active claim lease "
+                "(fail closed)"
+            )
+            if outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED:
+                outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED
+
+    if phase in {PHASE_COMMIT, PHASE_PUSH} and reasons:
+        if outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED:
+            outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED
+        elif outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED:
+            outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED
+
+    block = bool(reasons)
+    return {
+        "block": block,
+        "performed": not block,
+        "issue_number": issue_number,
+        "phase": phase,
+        "outcome": outcome,
+        "linked_open_pr": linked.get("number") if linked else entry.get("linked_open_pr"),
+        "conflicting_branches": conflicting_branches,
+        "claim_status": status or None,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "safe_next_action": (
+            "stop before mutating; preserve local work and produce a "
+            "reconciliation handoff if a concurrent PR appeared after push"
+            if block and phase == PHASE_CREATE_PR
+            else "stop before mutating; do not commit or push duplicate work"
+            if block
+            else "proceed"
+        ),
+    }
+
+
+def assess_work_issue_duplicate_report(report_text: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Require explicit duplicate-work outcome wording in work-issue reports."""
+    text = (report_text or "").lower()
+    markers = {
+        OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED: (
+            "duplicate pr prevented",
+            "duplicate_pr_prevented",
+        ),
+        OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED: (
+            "duplicate branch prevented",
+            "duplicate_branch_prevented",
+        ),
+        OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED: (
+            "duplicate commit prevented",
+            "duplicate_commit_prevented",
+        ),
+        OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED: (
+            "duplicate work not prevented",
+            "duplicate_work_not_prevented",
+            "no duplicate work",
+        ),
+    }
+    matched = [
+        key for key, phrases in markers.items()
+        if any(phrase in text for phrase in phrases)
+    ]
+    if len(matched) != 1:
+        return {
+            "complete": False,
+            "downgraded": True,
+            "reasons": [
+                "work-issue report must state exactly one duplicate-work "
+                "outcome (duplicate PR/branch/commit prevented, or "
+                "duplicate work not prevented)"
+            ],
+        }
+    return {
+        "complete": True,
+        "downgraded": False,
+        "outcome": matched[0],
+        "reasons": [],
+    }

review_proofs.py

@@ -3624,9 +3624,12 @@ def assess_work_issue_mode_isolation(report_text: str) -> dict:
 
 def assess_work_issue_final_report(report_text: str) -> dict:
     """#139: composite verifier for work-issue final reports."""
+    from issue_work_duplicate_gate import assess_work_issue_duplicate_report
+
     checks = {
         "workflow_source": assess_work_issue_workflow_source(report_text),
         "mode_isolation": assess_work_issue_mode_isolation(report_text),
+        "duplicate_work_outcome": assess_work_issue_duplicate_report(report_text),
     }
 
     reasons = []
@@ -5598,3 +5601,12 @@ def assess_proof_backed_handoff_report(report_text, **kwargs):
     from reviewer_proof_backed_handoff import assess_proof_backed_handoff_report as _assess
 
     return _assess(report_text, **kwargs)
+
+
+def assess_mutation_capability_proof(report_text, **kwargs):
+    """#405: exact per-mutation capability proof in reviewer final reports."""
+    from reviewer_mutation_capability_proof import (
+        assess_mutation_capability_proof as _assess,
+    )
+
+    return _assess(report_text, **kwargs)

reviewer_mutation_capability_proof.py

@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+"""Exact per-mutation capability proof verifier for reviewer reports (#405).
+
+A reviewer final report may prove ``review_pr`` capability and then also merge
+a PR or delete a remote branch. Merge and branch deletion are separate
+mutations that require their own exact capability proof — a nearby capability
+must never authorize a different operation. This verifier requires a
+mutation-capability table pairing every performed mutation with the exact
+task/permission resolved *before* that mutation.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import re
+
+# Mutations this verifier tracks, with the exact capability tokens that
+# authorize each. A row for the mutation must cite one of its own tokens;
+# tokens from a different mutation (a "nearby capability") never count.
+_REVIEW_TOKENS = ("review_pr", "gitea.pr.review", "gitea.pr.approve",
+                  "gitea.pr.request_changes", "request_changes_pr", "approve_pr")
+_MERGE_TOKENS = ("merge_pr", "gitea.pr.merge")
+_DELETE_TOKENS = ("delete_branch", "gitea.branch.delete")
+
+# Detect that a mutation was actually performed (not merely mentioned as a
+# non-goal or skipped).
+_MERGE_PERFORMED = re.compile(
+    r"(?:gitea_merge_pr\b(?![^\n]*\b(?:not called|skipped|blocked)\b)|"
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*merge result\s*:\s*merged\b|"
+    r"\bpr merged\b|\bmerge commit\s*(?:sha)?\s*[:=]?\s*[0-9a-f]{7,})",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_DELETE_PERFORMED = re.compile(
+    r"(?:gitea_delete_branch\b(?![^\n]*\b(?:not called|skipped|blocked)\b)|"
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*(?:remote )?branch deleted\s*:|"
+    r"\bdeleted (?:the )?(?:remote )?branch\b|"
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*branch deletion\s*:\s*(?!skipped|none|not)\S)",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_REVIEW_PERFORMED = re.compile(
+    r"(?:gitea_submit_pr_review\b|gitea_mark_final_review_decision\b|"
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*review (?:decision|verdict|mutation)\s*:\s*"
+    r"(?:approved|request[_ ]changes)\b|\breview submitted\b)",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+
+# Post-hoc proof: capability resolved *after* the mutation is never valid.
+_POST_HOC = re.compile(
+    r"capabilit(?:y|ies)\s+(?:resolved|proven|checked)\s+(?:after|post[- ])\s*"
+    r"(?:the\s+)?(?:merge|deletion|delete|mutation|review)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+
+# The report must carry an explicit mutation-capability table.
+_TABLE_MARKER = re.compile(
+    r"mutation[- ]capability(?:\s+table)?|capability[- ]per[- ]mutation",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+
+
+def _tokens_present(text: str, tokens: tuple[str, ...]) -> bool:
+    low = text.lower()
+    return any(tok.lower() in low for tok in tokens)
+
+
+def assess_mutation_capability_proof(report_text: str) -> dict:
+    """Validate exact per-mutation capability proof in a reviewer report.
+
+    Returns ``{proven, block, reasons, safe_next_action}``. A report that
+    performs no mutation beyond an ordinary review passes only when its
+    review capability is cited; merge/delete each demand their own exact
+    capability row. Fail closed on nearby-capability substitution, a
+    missing table, missing rows, or post-hoc proof.
+    """
+    text = report_text or ""
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+
+    merged = bool(_MERGE_PERFORMED.search(text))
+    deleted = bool(_DELETE_PERFORMED.search(text))
+    reviewed = bool(_REVIEW_PERFORMED.search(text))
+
+    extra_mutation = merged or deleted
+
+    if _POST_HOC.search(text):
+        reasons.append(
+            "capability proof recorded after the mutation; exact capability "
+            "must be resolved before each mutation"
+        )
+
+    # A review-only report needs its review capability cited; no table required.
+    if reviewed and not _tokens_present(text, _REVIEW_TOKENS):
+        reasons.append(
+            "review mutation performed without exact review capability proof "
+            "(review_pr / gitea.pr.review)"
+        )
+
+    if extra_mutation and not _TABLE_MARKER.search(text):
+        reasons.append(
+            "mutation beyond review performed without a mutation-capability "
+            "table (mutation, exact task/capability, result, order-before)"
+        )
+
+    if merged:
+        if not _tokens_present(text, _MERGE_TOKENS):
+            reasons.append(
+                "merge performed without exact merge capability proof "
+                "(merge_pr / gitea.pr.merge); nearby review_pr does not "
+                "authorize merge"
+            )
+
+    if deleted:
+        if not _tokens_present(text, _DELETE_TOKENS):
+            reasons.append(
+                "branch deletion performed without exact delete capability "
+                "proof (delete_branch / gitea.branch.delete); nearby "
+                "merge_pr does not authorize branch deletion"
+            )
+
+    proven = not reasons
+    return {
+        "proven": proven,
+        "block": not proven,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "safe_next_action": (
+            "proceed"
+            if proven
+            else "add a mutation-capability table with the exact resolved "
+            "task/permission and pre-mutation order for every mutation; "
+            "skip any mutation whose exact capability is unproven"
+        ),
+    }

skills/llm-project-workflow/workflows/review-merge-pr.md

@@ -895,6 +895,26 @@ Use precise wording:
 
 Do not collapse review, merge, cleanup, or external-state mutations into vague wording.
 
+## 31B. Mutation-capability table (#405)
+
+Every performed mutation requires exact capability proof resolved **before** that
+mutation executes. Nearby capabilities never authorize a different operation —
+`review_pr` does not authorize `merge_pr`, and `merge_pr` does not authorize
+`delete_branch` / `gitea.branch.delete`.
+
+When any mutation beyond a bare review occurs (merge, branch delete, issue
+close/comment, etc.), the final report must include a **mutation-capability table**
+with one row per performed mutation:
+
+* mutation (tool/action name)
+* exact task/capability resolved (for example `merge_pr` / `gitea.pr.merge`)
+* result
+* order/timestamp proof that capability was resolved before the mutation
+
+If exact capability proof is missing, skip the mutation or stop the workflow —
+never claim a performed mutation without its row. Post-hoc capability proof after
+the mutation fails validation.
+
 ## 31A. Local artifact and report consistency rule
 
 Do not create local walkthrough, notes, markdown, JSON, or report artifacts during reviewer runs unless the canonical workflow or operator explicitly requires it.

skills/llm-project-workflow/workflows/work-issue.md

@@ -297,6 +297,36 @@ Report:
 
 Do not create another branch/PR for the same issue unless the project explicitly allows taking over or updating existing work and exact capability is proven.
 
+### 10A. Duplicate-work gate phases (#400)
+
+Before any file edits, prove duplicate-work clearance with
+`gitea_assess_work_issue_duplicate` or `gitea_lock_issue` (which runs the same
+gate). The gate checks live:
+
+* open PRs linked to the issue (head branch or Closes/Fixes reference),
+* remote branches matching `issue-<number>`,
+* active claim leases from structured heartbeats.
+
+Re-check immediately before:
+
+* `gitea_commit_files` (commit),
+* branch push,
+* `gitea_create_pr` (PR creation).
+
+If a concurrent open PR appears after work begins:
+
+* before commit/push → stop and preserve local work without pushing,
+* after commit but before push → stop without pushing,
+* after push but before PR creation → stop and produce a reconciliation
+  handoff instead of opening a PR.
+
+Final reports must state exactly one duplicate-work outcome:
+
+* `duplicate PR prevented`
+* `duplicate branch prevented`
+* `duplicate commit prevented`
+* `duplicate work not prevented`
+
 ## 11. Claim or lock the issue before implementation
 
 Claim/lock the issue before implementation if the project provides a claim/lock mechanism.
@@ -717,6 +747,12 @@ Use only precise categories:
 * External-state mutations:
 * Read-only diagnostics:
 
+Issue-lock file (`/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json`) read/write/delete is always an
+external-state mutation. Never claim `External-state mutations: none` after
+seeding, restoring, or removing that file. Manual lock seeding is not a normal
+recovery path (#447); use `gitea_lock_issue` or the #442 adoption recovery path
+instead. Link broader redesign: #438.
+
 `git fetch`, `git remote update`, and any command that updates refs must be listed under `Git ref mutations`, not read-only diagnostics.
 
 If `git reset --hard`, checkout, clean, worktree add/remove, merge simulation, merge abort, or similar commands occurred, report them under `Worktree/index mutations`.

tests/test_agent_temp_artifacts.py

@@ -80,7 +80,10 @@ class TestIssueLockArtifactWarning(unittest.TestCase):
     def tearDown(self):
         self._env_patcher.stop()
 
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[])
+    @patch(
+        "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+        return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+    )
     @patch("mcp_server._auth", return_value="token x")
     @patch("mcp_server._resolve", return_value=("h", "o", "r"))
     @patch("mcp_server.ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", new_callable=lambda: tempfile.mktemp())

tests/test_commit_files_capability.py

@@ -76,7 +76,14 @@ class CommitFilesCapabilityBase(unittest.TestCase):
         with open(self.config_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
             fh.write(json.dumps(CONFIG))
 
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher = patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+        )
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.start()
+
     def tearDown(self):
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.stop()
         self._remotes.stop()
         mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
         mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called, mcp_server._preflight_capability_called = (

tests/test_commit_payloads.py

@@ -67,6 +67,15 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
         self.locked_worktree_path = os.path.realpath(self.locked_worktree_dir.name)
 
         self.lock_file_path = "/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json"
+        import issue_lock_provenance
+
+        work_lease = {
+            "operation_type": "author_issue_work",
+            "issue_number": 263,
+            "branch": "feat/issue-263-native-commit-payloads",
+            "claimant": {"username": "test-user", "profile": "test-author"},
+            "expires_at": "2999-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        }
         self.lock_data = {
             "issue_number": 263,
             "branch_name": "feat/issue-263-native-commit-payloads",
@@ -74,6 +83,11 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
             "org": "Example-Org",
             "repo": "Example-Repo",
             "worktree_path": self.locked_worktree_path,
+            "work_lease": work_lease,
+            "lock_provenance": issue_lock_provenance.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+                tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+                claimant=work_lease.get("claimant"),
+            ),
         }
         with open(self.lock_file_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
             fh.write(json.dumps(self.lock_data))
@@ -84,7 +98,14 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
         mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called = True
         mcp_server._preflight_capability_called = True
 
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher = patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+        )
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.start()
+
     def tearDown(self):
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.stop()
         self._remotes.stop()
         mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
 

tests/test_issue_lock_provenance.py

@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+"""Tests for issue-lock provenance and external-state disclosure (#447)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import sys
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import issue_lock_provenance as ilp  # noqa: E402
+from final_report_validator import assess_final_report_validator  # noqa: E402
+
+
+def _sanctioned_lock(**overrides):
+    work_lease = {
+        "operation_type": "author_issue_work",
+        "issue_number": 447,
+        "branch": "feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
+        "claimant": {"username": "jcwalker3", "profile": "prgs-author"},
+        "expires_at": "2999-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+    }
+    data = {
+        "issue_number": 447,
+        "branch_name": "feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
+        "work_lease": work_lease,
+        "lock_provenance": ilp.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+            tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+            claimant=work_lease["claimant"],
+        ),
+    }
+    data.update(overrides)
+    return data
+
+
+class TestLockProvenanceForCreatePr(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_sanctioned_lock_passes(self):
+        result = ilp.assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(_sanctioned_lock())
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+
+    def test_manual_seed_without_provenance_blocked(self):
+        result = ilp.assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(
+            {"issue_number": 420, "branch_name": "feat/x", "work_lease": {}}
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertIn("lock_provenance", result["reasons"][0])
+
+    def test_operator_override_requires_reason(self):
+        result = ilp.assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(
+            _sanctioned_lock(
+                lock_provenance=ilp.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+                    tool="operator_override",
+                    source=ilp.SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE,
+                )
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+
+class TestExternalStateReportRules(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_seed_with_external_none_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "Restored /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json to unblock PR creation.\n"
+            "- External-state mutations: none\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+    def test_seed_with_disclosure_passes(self):
+        report = (
+            "Restored /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json after MCP restart.\n"
+            "- External-state mutations: wrote /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"])
+
+    def test_remove_claimed_as_cleanup_only_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "rm /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json after PR creation.\n"
+            "- Cleanup mutations: lock removed\n"
+            "- External-state mutations: none\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+    def test_manual_lock_pr_without_override_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "Programmatically seeded gitea_issue_lock.json then gitea_create_pr.\n"
+            "PR #444 created.\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_manual_lock_pr_without_override(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+    def test_author_reviewer_same_run_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "gitea_create_pr opened PR #444.\n"
+            "Submitted approve review on PR #444.\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_author_reviewer_same_run_report(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+
+class TestFinalReportValidatorIntegration(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_work_issue_blocks_hidden_lock_mutation(self):
+        report = (
+            "## Controller Handoff\n"
+            "- Task: work issue #420\n"
+            "- External-state mutations: none\n"
+            "Restored /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json before PR creation.\n"
+        )
+        result = assess_final_report_validator(report, "work_issue")
+        rule_ids = {f["rule_id"] for f in result["findings"]}
+        self.assertIn("shared.issue_lock_external_state", rule_ids)
+        self.assertTrue(result["blocked"])
+
+    def test_review_pr_blocks_create_and_approve(self):
+        report = (
+            "## Controller Handoff\n"
+            "- Task: review PR #444\n"
+            "- Review decision: approve\n"
+            "Created PR #444 via gitea_create_pr earlier in this run.\n"
+        )
+        result = assess_final_report_validator(report, "review_pr")
+        rule_ids = {f["rule_id"] for f in result["findings"]}
+        self.assertIn("shared.author_reviewer_same_run", rule_ids)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_work_duplicate_gate.py

@@ -0,0 +1,251 @@
+"""Tests for early duplicate-work detection (#400)."""
+import json
+import os
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import issue_work_duplicate_gate as dup_gate
+import mcp_server
+from issue_work_duplicate_gate import (
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED,
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED,
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED,
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED,
+    PHASE_COMMIT,
+    PHASE_CREATE_PR,
+    PHASE_LOCK,
+    assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate,
+    assess_work_issue_duplicate_report,
+)
+
+
+class TestDuplicateGateAssessment(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_clear_issue_passes(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            400,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=["feat/other-issue-99"],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-400-duplicate-work-preflight",
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_open_pr_blocks(self):
+        prs = [{
+            "number": 397,
+            "title": "feat: handoff",
+            "body": "Closes #395",
+            "head": {"ref": "feat/issue-395-proof-backed-review-handoff"},
+        }]
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            395,
+            open_prs=prs,
+            branch_names=[],
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_conflicting_remote_branch_blocks(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            395,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=["feat/issue-395-proof-backed-handoff-claims"],
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-395-new-attempt",
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_active_claim_on_other_branch_blocks(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            398,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=[],
+            claim_entry={
+                "status": "active",
+                "latest_heartbeat": {
+                    "branch": "feat/issue-398-validation-cwd-proof",
+                },
+            },
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-398-other-branch",
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+    def test_commit_phase_maps_to_commit_outcome(self):
+        prs = [{
+            "number": 411,
+            "title": "x",
+            "body": "Closes #398",
+            "head": {"ref": "feat/issue-398-validation-cwd-proof"},
+        }]
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            398,
+            open_prs=prs,
+            branch_names=[],
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-398-alt",
+            phase=PHASE_COMMIT,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_stale_claim_does_not_block_by_status_alone(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            400,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=[],
+            claim_entry={"status": "reclaimable", "reasons": ["stale"]},
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-400-duplicate-work-preflight",
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+
+
+class TestDuplicateReportOutcome(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_requires_exactly_one_outcome(self):
+        bad = assess_work_issue_duplicate_report("work finished")
+        self.assertFalse(bad["complete"])
+
+        good = assess_work_issue_duplicate_report(
+            "Duplicate work not prevented for issue #400."
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(good["complete"])
+        self.assertEqual(good["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED)
+
+
+class TestInjectableDuplicateFetcher(unittest.TestCase):
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x")
+    def test_lock_issue_uses_injected_fetcher(self, _auth):
+        seen = {}
+
+        def fetcher(h, o, r, auth, issue_number):
+            seen["issue_number"] = issue_number
+            return [], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}
+
+        with patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            side_effect=fetcher,
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
+            return_value={
+                "current_branch": "master",
+                "porcelain_status": "",
+                "base_equivalent": True,
+            },
+        ), patch.dict(os.environ, {
+            "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.comment",
+        }, clear=True):
+            with patch.object(mcp_server, "ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", tempfile.mktemp()):
+                mcp_server.gitea_lock_issue(
+                    issue_number=400,
+                    branch_name="feat/issue-400-duplicate-work-preflight",
+                    remote="prgs",
+                )
+        self.assertEqual(seen["issue_number"], 400)
+
+
+class TestMcpDuplicateRecheck(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.lock_path = os.path.join(self._dir.name, "gitea_issue_lock.json")
+        self._lock_patch = patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", self.lock_path
+        )
+        self._lock_patch.start()
+        self._remotes = patch.dict(mcp_server.REMOTES, {
+            "prgs": {"host": "gitea.example.com", "org": "Example-Org",
+                     "repo": "Example-Repo"},
+        })
+        self._remotes.start()
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        patch.stopall()
+        self._dir.cleanup()
+
+    def _write_lock(self, issue_number=400, branch="feat/issue-400-x"):
+        with open(self.lock_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            json.dump({
+                "issue_number": issue_number,
+                "branch_name": branch,
+                "remote": "prgs",
+            }, fh)
+
+    @patch("mcp_server._assess_issue_duplicate_gate")
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value={
+        "profile_name": "test-author",
+        "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.repo.commit"],
+        "forbidden_operations": [],
+        "audit_label": "test-author",
+    })
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x")
+    def test_commit_files_blocked_on_recheck(self, _auth, _profile, mock_gate):
+        self._write_lock()
+        mock_gate.return_value = {
+            "block": True,
+            "reasons": ["open PR #412 already covers issue #400"],
+            "outcome": OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED,
+            "safe_next_action": "stop",
+        }
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        with patch(
+            "mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+            return_value=(True, []),
+        ):
+            result = mcp_server.gitea_commit_files(
+                files=[{
+                    "operation": "create",
+                    "path": "a.txt",
+                    "content_plain": "hi",
+                }],
+                message="test",
+                remote="prgs",
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertIn("duplicate_gate", result)
+
+    @patch("mcp_server._assess_issue_duplicate_gate")
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value={
+        "profile_name": "test-author",
+        "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.create"],
+        "forbidden_operations": [],
+        "audit_label": "test-author",
+    })
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x")
+    def test_create_pr_returns_handoff_on_duplicate(self, _auth, _profile, mock_gate):
+        self._write_lock()
+        mock_gate.return_value = {
+            "block": True,
+            "reasons": ["open PR #412 already covers issue #400"],
+            "outcome": OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED,
+            "safe_next_action": "reconciliation handoff",
+        }
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        with patch(
+            "mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+            return_value=(True, []),
+        ):
+            result = mcp_server.gitea_create_pr(
+                title="feat: x (Closes #400)",
+                head="feat/issue-400-x",
+                base="master",
+                body="Closes #400",
+                remote="prgs",
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertIsNone(result.get("number"))
+        self.assertIn("duplicate_gate", result)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_mcp_server.py

@@ -101,17 +101,36 @@ ISSUE_LOCK_FILE = "/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json"
 
 
 def _sample_issue_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x", **overrides):
+    import issue_lock_provenance
+
+    work_lease = {
+        "operation_type": "author_issue_work",
+        "issue_number": issue_number,
+        "branch": branch_name,
+        "claimant": {"username": "test-user", "profile": "test-author"},
+        "expires_at": "2999-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+    }
     record = {
         "issue_number": issue_number,
         "branch_name": branch_name,
         "remote": "dadeschools",
         "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
         "repo": "Gitea-Tools",
+        "work_lease": work_lease,
+        "lock_provenance": issue_lock_provenance.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+            tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+            claimant=work_lease.get("claimant"),
+        ),
     }
     record.update(overrides)
     return record
 
 
+def _clear_duplicate_context_fetcher(*_args, **_kwargs):
+    """Default injectable duplicate-work context for lock/create_pr tests."""
+    return [], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}
+
+
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Create Issue
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -166,13 +185,17 @@ class TestCreateIssue(unittest.TestCase):
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 class TestCreatePR(unittest.TestCase):
 
+    @patch(
+        "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+        return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+    )
     @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
            return_value=(True, []))
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     @patch("os.path.exists", return_value=True)
     @patch("builtins.open")
-    def test_creates_pr(self, mock_open, mock_exists, _auth, mock_api, _role):
+    def test_creates_pr(self, mock_open, mock_exists, _auth, mock_api, _role, _dup_fetcher):
         lock_json = json.dumps(_sample_issue_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x"))
         mock_open.return_value.__enter__.return_value.read.return_value = lock_json
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 3, "html_url": "https://example.com/pulls/3"}
@@ -187,13 +210,17 @@ class TestCreatePR(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(payload["base"], "main")
         self.assertIn("Closes #123", payload["title"])
 
+    @patch(
+        "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+        return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+    )
     @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
            return_value=(True, []))
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     @patch("os.path.exists", return_value=True)
     @patch("builtins.open")
-    def test_create_pr_reveal_opt_in_includes_url(self, mock_open, mock_exists, _auth, mock_api, _role):
+    def test_create_pr_reveal_opt_in_includes_url(self, mock_open, mock_exists, _auth, mock_api, _role, _dup_fetcher):
         lock_json = json.dumps(_sample_issue_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x"))
         mock_open.return_value.__enter__.return_value.read.return_value = lock_json
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 3, "html_url": "https://example.com/pulls/3"}
@@ -3044,8 +3071,14 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         self._env_patcher = patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True)
         self._env_patcher.start()
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher = patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+        )
+        self.mock_dup_fetcher = self._dup_fetcher_patcher.start()
 
     def tearDown(self):
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.stop()
         self._env_patcher.stop()
         if os.path.exists(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE):
             os.remove(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE)
@@ -3054,10 +3087,8 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
         "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
         return_value=_clean_master_git_state_for_lock(),
     )
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
-    def test_lock_issue_success(self, _auth, mock_api, _git_state):
-        mock_api.return_value = [] # no open PRs
+    def test_lock_issue_success(self, _auth, _git_state):
         res = gitea_lock_issue(issue_number=196, branch_name="feat/issue-196-mutations", remote="prgs")
         self.assertTrue(res["success"])
         self.assertEqual(res["work_lease"]["operation_type"], "author_issue_work")
@@ -3082,50 +3113,48 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
         "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
         return_value=_clean_master_git_state_for_lock(),
     )
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
-    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_open_pr_branch(self, _auth, mock_api, _git_state):
-        mock_api.return_value = [{
+    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_open_pr_branch(self, _auth, _git_state):
+        self.mock_dup_fetcher.return_value = ([{
             "number": 200,
             "head": {"ref": "feat/issue-196-boundary"},
             "title": "Some PR",
-            "body": "No closes ref"
-        }]
+            "body": "No closes ref",
+        }], [], {"status": "not_claimed"})
         with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as ctx:
             gitea_lock_issue(issue_number=196, branch_name="feat/issue-196-mutations", remote="prgs")
-        self.assertIn("already tied to an open PR", str(ctx.exception))
+        self.assertIn("open PR #200 already covers issue", str(ctx.exception))
 
     @patch(
         "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
         return_value=_clean_master_git_state_for_lock(),
     )
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
-    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_open_pr_closes_ref(self, _auth, mock_api, _git_state):
-        mock_api.return_value = [{
+    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_open_pr_closes_ref(self, _auth, _git_state):
+        self.mock_dup_fetcher.return_value = ([{
             "number": 200,
             "head": {"ref": "feat/other-branch"},
             "title": "Some PR",
-            "body": "fixes #196"
-        }]
+            "body": "fixes #196",
+        }], [], {"status": "not_claimed"})
         with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as ctx:
             gitea_lock_issue(issue_number=196, branch_name="feat/issue-196-mutations", remote="prgs")
-        self.assertIn("already tied to an open PR", str(ctx.exception))
+        self.assertIn("open PR #200 already covers issue", str(ctx.exception))
 
     @patch(
         "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
         return_value=_clean_master_git_state_for_lock(),
     )
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
-    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_remote_branch(self, _auth, mock_api, _git_state):
-        mock_api.side_effect = [
+    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_remote_branch(self, _auth, _git_state):
+        self.mock_dup_fetcher.return_value = (
             [],
-            [{"name": "feat/issue-196-existing-work"}],
-        ]
+            ["feat/issue-196-existing-work"],
+            {"status": "not_claimed"},
+        )
         with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as ctx:
             gitea_lock_issue(issue_number=196, branch_name="feat/issue-196-mutations", remote="prgs")
-        self.assertIn("already has matching branch", str(ctx.exception))
+        self.assertIn("remote branch(es) already match issue pattern", str(ctx.exception))
 
     def test_lock_issue_blocks_active_same_operation_lease(self):
         with open(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
@@ -3284,6 +3313,28 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
                 )
         self.assertIn("does not match locked worktree", str(ctx.exception))
 
+    @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+           return_value=(True, []))
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
+    def test_create_pr_manual_lock_seed_blocked(self, _auth, _role):
+        with open(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+            json.dump(
+                _sample_issue_lock(
+                    issue_number=447,
+                    branch_name="feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
+                    lock_provenance=None,
+                ),
+                f,
+            )
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, CREATE_PR_ENV, clear=True):
+            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
+                gitea_create_pr(
+                    title="feat: lock provenance Closes #447",
+                    head="feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
+                    remote="prgs",
+                )
+        self.assertIn("lock provenance", str(ctx.exception).lower())
+
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
            return_value=(True, []))

tests/test_review_proofs.py

@@ -2346,6 +2346,7 @@ class TestWorkIssueFinalReport(unittest.TestCase):
             "- Safe next action: open PR",
             "- Next: open PR",
             "- Safety statement: no review/merge",
+            "- Duplicate work outcome: duplicate work not prevented",
         ])
 
     def test_complete_work_issue_report_earns_a(self):

tests/test_reviewer_mutation_capability_proof.py

@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+"""Tests for exact per-mutation capability proof in reviewer reports (#405)."""
+
+import sys
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+from reviewer_mutation_capability_proof import assess_mutation_capability_proof
+from review_proofs import assess_mutation_capability_proof as proofs_assess
+from final_report_validator import assess_final_report_validator
+
+
+REVIEW_ONLY = """
+Review decision: approved
+Mutation capability table:
+- gitea_submit_pr_review | review_pr (gitea.pr.review) | submitted | resolved before review
+"""
+
+MERGE_PROVEN = """
+Review decision: approved
+Merge result: merged 0123456789ab
+Mutation capability table:
+- gitea_submit_pr_review | review_pr (gitea.pr.review) | submitted | before review
+- gitea_merge_pr | merge_pr (gitea.pr.merge) | merged | resolved before merge
+"""
+
+MERGE_AND_DELETE_PROVEN = """
+Review decision: approved
+Merge result: merged 0123456789ab
+Remote branch deleted: feat/issue-x
+Mutation capability table:
+- gitea_submit_pr_review | review_pr (gitea.pr.review) | submitted | before review
+- gitea_merge_pr | merge_pr (gitea.pr.merge) | merged | before merge
+- gitea_delete_branch | delete_branch (gitea.branch.delete) | deleted | before delete
+"""
+
+
+class TestModule(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_review_only_with_capability_passes(self):
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(REVIEW_ONLY)
+        self.assertTrue(r["proven"], r["reasons"])
+
+    def test_merge_with_exact_capability_passes(self):
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(MERGE_PROVEN)
+        self.assertTrue(r["proven"], r["reasons"])
+
+    def test_merge_and_delete_fully_proven_passes(self):
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(MERGE_AND_DELETE_PROVEN)
+        self.assertTrue(r["proven"], r["reasons"])
+
+    def test_review_pr_does_not_authorize_merge(self):
+        report = """
+Review decision: approved
+Merge result: merged 0123456789ab
+Mutation capability table:
+- gitea_submit_pr_review | review_pr (gitea.pr.review) | submitted | before review
+"""
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(report)
+        self.assertFalse(r["proven"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("merge" in x.lower() for x in r["reasons"]), r["reasons"])
+
+    def test_merge_pr_does_not_authorize_branch_deletion(self):
+        report = """
+Review decision: approved
+Merge result: merged 0123456789ab
+Remote branch deleted: feat/issue-x
+Mutation capability table:
+- gitea_submit_pr_review | review_pr (gitea.pr.review) | submitted | before review
+- gitea_merge_pr | merge_pr (gitea.pr.merge) | merged | before merge
+"""
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(report)
+        self.assertFalse(r["proven"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("delet" in x.lower() for x in r["reasons"]), r["reasons"])
+
+    def test_delete_skipped_when_capability_missing_passes(self):
+        report = """
+Review decision: approved
+Merge result: merged 0123456789ab
+Branch deletion: skipped — delete_branch capability not available
+Mutation capability table:
+- gitea_submit_pr_review | review_pr (gitea.pr.review) | submitted | before review
+- gitea_merge_pr | merge_pr (gitea.pr.merge) | merged | before merge
+"""
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(report)
+        self.assertTrue(r["proven"], r["reasons"])
+
+    def test_missing_table_when_merging_blocks(self):
+        report = """
+Review decision: approved
+Merge result: merged 0123456789ab
+merge_pr gitea.pr.merge resolved
+"""
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(report)
+        self.assertFalse(r["proven"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("table" in x.lower() for x in r["reasons"]), r["reasons"])
+
+    def test_post_hoc_proof_blocks(self):
+        report = """
+Review decision: approved
+Merge result: merged 0123456789ab
+Mutation capability table:
+- gitea_merge_pr | merge_pr (gitea.pr.merge) | merged | capability resolved after merge
+"""
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(report)
+        self.assertFalse(r["proven"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("after" in x.lower() for x in r["reasons"]), r["reasons"])
+
+    def test_review_without_capability_blocks(self):
+        report = "Review decision: approved\nreview submitted\n"
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof(report)
+        self.assertFalse(r["proven"])
+
+    def test_no_mutation_no_requirement(self):
+        r = assess_mutation_capability_proof("Selected PR: #1\nSkipped, no action.")
+        self.assertTrue(r["proven"], r["reasons"])
+
+
+class TestWiring(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_review_proofs_wrapper_matches_module(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            proofs_assess(MERGE_PROVEN)["proven"],
+            assess_mutation_capability_proof(MERGE_PROVEN)["proven"],
+        )
+
+    def test_final_report_validator_flags_nearby_capability_merge(self):
+        report = """
+## Controller Handoff
+- Task: review_pr
+Review decision: approved
+Merge result: merged 0123456789ab
+Mutation capability table:
+- gitea_submit_pr_review | review_pr (gitea.pr.review) | submitted | before review
+"""
+        result = assess_final_report_validator(report, "review_pr")
+        rule_ids = [f["rule_id"] for f in result.get("findings", [])]
+        self.assertIn("reviewer.mutation_capability_proof", rule_ids)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_webui_queue_dashboard.py

@@ -12,12 +12,14 @@ from starlette.testclient import TestClient
 from webui.app import create_app
 from webui.queue_loader import (
     PaginationMeta,
+    QueueSnapshot,
     _classify_issue,
     _classify_pr,
     _extract_linked_issue,
     load_queue_snapshot,
     snapshot_to_dict,
 )
+from webui.queue_views import render_queue_page
 
 _RECENT = datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat()
 _STALE = (datetime.now(timezone.utc) - timedelta(days=30)).isoformat()
@@ -210,5 +212,77 @@ class TestQueueRoutes(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(len(snapshot.prs), 0)
 
 
+def _empty_pagination() -> PaginationMeta:
+    return PaginationMeta(
+        page=1,
+        per_page=50,
+        returned_count=0,
+        has_more=False,
+        is_final_page=True,
+        inventory_complete=True,
+        pages_fetched=1,
+    )
+
+
+def _empty_fetch(*_args, **_kwargs):
+    return [], _empty_pagination()
+
+
+class TestQueueFailClosedUx(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Regression tests for #458 fail-closed empty-state copy."""
+
+    def test_fail_closed_view_suppresses_empty_queue_copy(self):
+        snapshot = QueueSnapshot(
+            project_id="gitea-tools",
+            repo_label="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",
+            prs=(),
+            issues=(),
+            pr_pagination=None,
+            issue_pagination=None,
+            fetch_error="Gitea credentials unavailable for gitea.prgs.cc",
+        )
+        html = render_queue_page(snapshot)
+        self.assertIn("Queue unavailable", html)
+        self.assertIn("Not loaded", html)
+        self.assertNotIn("No open items.", html)
+        self.assertIn("pagination:</strong> unavailable", html)
+
+    def test_fail_closed_route_does_not_show_empty_queue_copy(self):
+        client = TestClient(create_app())
+        snapshot = load_queue_snapshot(
+            fetch_prs=_empty_fetch,
+            fetch_issues=_empty_fetch,
+        )
+        snapshot = QueueSnapshot(
+            project_id=snapshot.project_id,
+            repo_label=snapshot.repo_label,
+            prs=(),
+            issues=(),
+            pr_pagination=None,
+            issue_pagination=None,
+            fetch_error="Gitea credentials unavailable for gitea.prgs.cc",
+        )
+        with mock.patch("webui.app.load_queue_snapshot", return_value=snapshot):
+            response = client.get("/queue")
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+        self.assertIn("Queue unavailable", response.text)
+        self.assertNotIn("No open items.", response.text)
+
+    def test_successful_empty_inventory_shows_empty_copy(self):
+        snapshot = load_queue_snapshot(
+            fetch_prs=_empty_fetch,
+            fetch_issues=_empty_fetch,
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(snapshot.fetch_error)
+        self.assertEqual(len(snapshot.prs), 0)
+        self.assertEqual(len(snapshot.issues), 0)
+        self.assertTrue(snapshot.pr_pagination.inventory_complete)
+
+        html = render_queue_page(snapshot)
+        self.assertNotIn("Queue unavailable", html)
+        self.assertEqual(html.count("No open items."), 2)
+        self.assertIn("pagination (complete)", html)
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()

webui/queue_views.py

@@ -38,7 +38,13 @@ def _queue_table(
     title: str,
     items: tuple[QueueItem, ...],
     columns: tuple[tuple[str, str], ...],
+    fetch_failed: bool = False,
 ) -> str:
+    if fetch_failed:
+        return (
+            f"<h3>{html.escape(title)}</h3>"
+            "<p class='muted'>Not loaded — queue fetch did not complete.</p>"
+        )
     if not items:
         return f"<h3>{html.escape(title)}</h3><p class='muted'>No open items.</p>"
 
@@ -73,9 +79,11 @@ def render_queue_page(snapshot: QueueSnapshot) -> str:
             f"{html.escape(snapshot.fetch_error)}</p></div>"
         )
 
+    fetch_failed = bool(snapshot.fetch_error)
     pr_section = _queue_table(
         title="Open pull requests",
         items=snapshot.prs,
+        fetch_failed=fetch_failed,
         columns=(
             ("number", "#"),
             ("title", "Title"),
@@ -88,6 +96,7 @@ def render_queue_page(snapshot: QueueSnapshot) -> str:
     issue_section = _queue_table(
         title="Open issues",
         items=snapshot.issues,
+        fetch_failed=fetch_failed,
         columns=(
             ("number", "#"),
             ("title", "Title"),