This template provides a structured framework for assessing the righteousness of AI development practices using the Developer Righteousness Index (RI‑D) . It evaluates developers across the Five Pillars of AI Righteousness and provides actionable insights for improvement.
Instructions: For each item, assess the development team or project using the following scale:
✅ Yes — Fully implemented and consistently practiced
⚠️ Partial — Partially implemented or inconsistent
❌ No — Not implemented or not yet addressed
N/A — Not applicable to this development context
Assessment Overview
Assessment Date
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Assessor
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Development Team/Project
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RI‑D Version
1.0
Organization
___
Assessment Type
Initial / Follow-up
Pillar 1: Integrity — Truthful and Trustworthy Development
Integrity requires that AI development practices be honest, transparent, and free from deception.
Section 1.1: Code Transparency
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Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
1.1.1
Is code open to review by relevant stakeholders?
☐
☐
☐
☐
1.1.2
Is code documentation complete and maintained?
☐
☐
☐
☐
1.1.3
Are hidden functionalities disclosed?
☐
☐
☐
☐
1.1.4
Are dependencies and third-party components documented?
☐
☐
☐
☐
1.1.5
Is the code base version-controlled with clear history?
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☐
☐
☐
Section 1.2: Truthful Documentation
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Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
1.2.1
Do documentation and specifications accurately describe system capabilities?
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☐
☐
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1.2.2
Do documentation and specifications accurately describe system limitations?
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☐
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1.2.3
Are known issues documented and disclosed?
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☐
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1.2.4
Are trade-offs and design decisions documented?
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1.2.5
Is documentation updated when systems change?
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☐
☐
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Section 1.3: No Hidden Functionality
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Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
1.3.1
Is code reviewed for hidden functionality?
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☐
☐
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1.3.2
Are automated checks in place to detect hidden functionality?
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☐
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1.3.3
Are third-party components reviewed for hidden functionality?
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☐
☐
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1.3.4
Is there a process for reporting suspected hidden functionality?
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☐
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1.3.5
Are hidden functionality concerns investigated and resolved?
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☐
☐
☐
Pillar 2: Justice — Fair Development Practices
Justice requires that AI development practices be fair, equitable, and free from bias.
Section 2.1: Bias Detection
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
2.1.1
Are bias tests conducted on training data?
☐
☐
☐
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2.1.2
Are bias tests conducted on model outputs?
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☐
☐
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2.1.3
Are bias tests conducted across demographic groups?
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☐
☐
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2.1.4
Are bias test results documented and reviewed?
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☐
☐
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2.1.5
Are bias mitigation strategies implemented when bias is detected?
☐
☐
☐
☐
Section 2.2: Fair Data Practices
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
2.2.1
Is training data representative of all affected groups?
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☐
☐
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2.2.2
Are data collection practices fair and transparent?
☐
☐
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2.2.3
Is data quality assessed for bias?
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2.2.4
Are data privacy protections in place?
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☐
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2.2.5
Is data consent documented and respected?
☐
☐
☐
☐
Section 2.3: Equitable Outcomes
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
2.3.1
Does the model produce equitable outcomes across groups?
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☐
☐
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2.3.2
Are performance metrics evaluated across demographic groups?
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☐
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2.3.3
Are fairness constraints applied during training?
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☐
☐
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2.3.4
Is feedback from affected groups incorporated?
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☐
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2.3.5
Are equity concerns escalated and addressed?
☐
☐
☐
☐
Pillar 3: Stewardship — Responsible Development Practices
Stewardship requires that AI development be conducted with care, accountability, and ethical governance.
Section 3.1: Ethical Design Process
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
3.1.1
Are ethics considered throughout the development lifecycle?
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☐
☐
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3.1.2
Is there an ethical review process for development decisions?
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3.1.3
Are diverse perspectives included in design reviews?
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3.1.4
Are ethical trade-offs discussed and documented?
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3.1.5
Is ethics training provided to developers?
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☐
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Section 3.2: Governance Compliance
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
3.2.1
Do development practices comply with relevant policies?
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☐
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3.2.2
Are compliance requirements integrated into development workflows?
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3.2.3
Is compliance monitored and documented?
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3.2.4
Are non-compliance issues escalated and addressed?
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3.2.5
Are compliance requirements updated with regulatory changes?
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☐
☐
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Section 3.3: Accountability
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
3.3.1
Are roles and responsibilities for development clearly defined?
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3.3.2
Is there clear accountability for development outcomes?
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3.3.3
Are developers held accountable for ethical practices?
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3.3.4
Is there a process for reporting ethical concerns?
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3.3.5
Are accountability mechanisms documented and communicated?
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☐
☐
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Pillar 4: Wisdom — Prudent Development Practices
Wisdom requires that AI development reflect sound judgment, foresight, and moral discernment.
Section 4.1: Risk Assessment
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
4.1.1
Are potential risks identified and assessed during development?
☐
☐
☐
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4.1.2
Are risk assessments conducted for new features and changes?
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4.1.3
Are risk assessments documented and reviewed?
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4.1.4
Are risks prioritized based on severity?
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4.1.5
Are risk mitigation strategies developed and implemented?
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Section 4.2: Prudent Design
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Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
4.2.1
Are design choices made with foresight and caution?
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4.2.2
Are alternative approaches considered during design?
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4.2.3
Are design decisions documented with rationale?
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4.2.4
Are potential unintended consequences considered?
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4.2.5
Is design reviewed by diverse stakeholders?
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☐
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Section 4.3: Long-Term Thinking
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
4.3.1
Are long-term implications of design choices considered?
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☐
☐
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4.3.2
Is the system designed for future adaptability?
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4.3.3
Are plans in place for system evolution and updates?
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4.3.4
Is sustainability considered in design choices?
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4.3.5
Are future regulatory changes anticipated?
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Pillar 5: Beneficence — Development for Human Flourishing
Beneficence requires that AI development actively promote human and environmental well-being.
Section 5.1: Social Impact Consideration
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
5.1.1
Is positive social impact considered in design decisions?
☐
☐
☐
☐
5.1.2
Are potential negative social impacts assessed?
☐
☐
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5.1.3
Are affected communities identified and consulted?
☐
☐
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5.1.4
Are social impact assessments documented?
☐
☐
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5.1.5
Are social impact concerns addressed?
☐
☐
☐
☐
Section 5.2: Environmental Impact
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
5.2.1
Is the environmental footprint of development considered?
☐
☐
☐
☐
5.2.2
Are energy-efficient approaches considered?
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5.2.3
Is environmental impact assessed for model training?
☐
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5.2.4
Are environmental sustainability practices in place?
☐
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5.2.5
Is environmental impact monitored and improved?
☐
☐
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Section 5.3: Positive Contribution
#
Assessment Item
Yes
Partial
No
N/A
Evidence / Notes
5.3.1
Does the AI system contribute positively to human well-being?
☐
☐
☐
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5.3.2
Are developers encouraged to consider positive impact?
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☐
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5.3.3
Are community benefits identified and measured?
☐
☐
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5.3.4
Is there a process for maximizing positive impact?
☐
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5.3.5
Are positive contributions documented and shared?
☐
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RI‑D Score Summary
Score Calculation
Pillar
Total Items
Yes
Partial
No
Score (%)
Integrity
15
___
___
___
___%
Justice
15
___
___
___
___%
Stewardship
15
___
___
___
___%
Wisdom
15
___
___
___
___%
Beneficence
15
___
___
___
___%
RI‑D Total
75
___
___
___
___%
Score Interpretation
Score Range
Rating
Description
80–100%
Righteous
Exemplary development practices; righteousness is embedded in development culture
60–79%
Proficient
Solid development practices; righteousness is considered but could be strengthened
40–59%
Developing
Foundational practices in place; significant improvement opportunities exist
20–39%
Emerging
Basic awareness exists; development practices need substantial improvement
0–19%
Unassessed
No systematic righteousness assessment has been conducted