Legal Expert Systems: The Inadequacy of a Rule-Based Approach

Advances in Computing and Information: Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing and Information (ICCI-90), eds Selim G. Akl, Frank Fiala and Waldemar W. Koczkodaj, Niagara Falls, Canada, 23–26 May 1990, Canadian Scholars' Press, Toronto, pp. 348–51

5 Pages Posted: 8 Jul 2012 Last revised: 24 Aug 2018

See all articles by James Popple

James Popple

Australian National University (ANU)

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: May 23, 1990

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

Suggested Citation

Popple, James, Legal Expert Systems: The Inadequacy of a Rule-Based Approach (May 23, 1990). Advances in Computing and Information: Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing and Information (ICCI-90), eds Selim G. Akl, Frank Fiala and Waldemar W. Koczkodaj, Niagara Falls, Canada, 23–26 May 1990, Canadian Scholars' Press, Toronto, pp. 348–51, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2101896 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2101896

James Popple (Contact Author)

Australian National University (ANU)

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Australia

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