---
entity_slug: statute_of_labourers
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:25:26.779314'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is precise and historically specific, clearly identifying
    the 1351 English law under Edward III that set maximum wages and prices following
    the Black Death. It captures a distinct regulatory instrument rather than a vague
    concept.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text, as he specifically
    references the Statute of Labourers in Book I, Chapter 11 as historical evidence
    for grain prices and silver values. The context accurately reflects Smith's use
    of this historical source.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain assignment is entirely appropriate, as the Statute
    of Labourers represents a clear example of government intervention in markets
    through price and wage controls. This fits perfectly within regulatory economic
    concepts.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: While the statute represents regulatory control (S3-like internal regulation),
    it functions more as historical data in Smith's analysis rather than as an active
    system component. It has some VSM relevance but is primarily used as empirical
    evidence rather than as a structural element.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides genuine explanatory value by illustrating historical
    precedents for government market intervention and serving as concrete evidence
    for Smith's analysis of long-term price trends. It demonstrates the relationship
    between regulatory responses and economic disruptions like labor shortages.
---

# Evaluation: Statute Of Labourers

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is precise and historically specific, clearly identifying the 1351 English law under Edward III that set maximum wages and prices following the Black Death. It captures a distinct regulatory instrument rather than a vague concept.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text, as he specifically references the Statute of Labourers in Book I, Chapter 11 as historical evidence for grain prices and silver values. The context accurately reflects Smith's use of this historical source.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain assignment is entirely appropriate, as the Statute of Labourers represents a clear example of government intervention in markets through price and wage controls. This fits perfectly within regulatory economic concepts.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

While the statute represents regulatory control (S3-like internal regulation), it functions more as historical data in Smith's analysis rather than as an active system component. It has some VSM relevance but is primarily used as empirical evidence rather than as a structural element.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides genuine explanatory value by illustrating historical precedents for government market intervention and serving as concrete evidence for Smith's analysis of long-term price trends. It demonstrates the relationship between regulatory responses and economic disruptions like labor shortages.