Legal Expert Systems: The Inadequacy of a Rule-Based Approach
Australian Computer Journal, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 11-16, 1991
8 Pages Posted: 31 Jan 2009 Last revised: 24 Aug 2018
There are 3 versions of this paper
Legal Expert Systems: The Inadequacy of a Rule-Based Approach
Legal Expert Systems: The Inadequacy of a Rule-Based Approach
Legal Expert Systems: The Inadequacy of a Rule-Based Approach
Date Written: February 28, 1991
Abstract
The two different categories of legal AI system are described, and legal analysis systems are chosen as objects of study. So-called judgment machines are discussed, but it is decided that research in legal AI systems would be best carried-out in the area of legal expert systems. A model of legal reasoning is adopted, and two different methods of legal knowledge representation are examined: rule-based systems and case-based systems. It is argued that a rule-based approach to legal expert systems is inadequate given the requirements of lawyers and the nature of legal reasoning about cases. A new, eclectic approach is proposed, incorporating both rule-based and case-based knowledge representation. It is claimed that such an approach can form the basis of an effective and useful legal expert system.
Keywords: case-based systems, expert systems, law, legal reasoning, rule-based systems
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