The use of meta-rules in rule based legal computer systems

ABSTRACT

Rule-Based Systems in the legal domain are often obtained by formalizing legislation. We consider the addition of meta-knowledge in the form of meta-rules to such a system. Such an approach has many advantages both for control and for dealing with the intrinsic vagueness of legal rules. Legal computer systems of different kinds have been proposed and built over the years. In this paper we shall present a legal reasoning system which uses concepts discussed in this paper. The system consists of a knowledge base, obtained by formalizing legislation, and uses a meta-rules mechanism for deduction and legal reasoning.

REFERENCES

• 1: Layman E. Allen , Charles S. Saxon, More IA needed in AI: interpretation assistance for coping with the problem of multiple structural interpretations, Proceedings of the 3rd international conference on Artificial intelligence and law, p.53-61, May 1991, Oxford, England [doi>10.1145/112646.112652]
• 2: T. J. M. Bench-Capon , G. O. Robinson , T. W. Routen , M. J. Sergot, Logic programming for large scale applications in law: A formalisation of supplementary benefit legislation, Proceedings of the 1st international conference on Artificial intelligence and law, p.190-198, May 27-29, 1997, Boston, Massachusetts, United States [doi>10.1145/41735.41757]
• 3: Bench~Capon T.J.M., Sergot M.J. Towards a Rule-Based Approach to Open Texture in: Walter C. (editor) Computing Power and Legal Language, Greenwotxl/Quorum Press, 1988, p.39-60.
• 4: Bowen K.A., Kowalski R.A. Amalgamating Language and Metalanguage in Logic Programming. in: Clark K., Taernlund S.-A. Logic Programming., Academic Press, London, 1982, p. 153-172.
• 5: Pavel B. Brazdil , Kurt Konolige, Machine Learning: Meta-Reasoning and Logics, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Norwell, MA, 1989
• 6: Bundy A., Welham B. Using Meta-level Inference for Selective Application of Multiple Rewrite Rules in Algebraic Manipulation., Artificial Intelligence, vol. 16, 1981, p. 189-212.
• 7: Alan Bundy, The computer modelling of mathematical reasoning, Academic Press Professional, Inc., San Diego, CA, 1985
• 8: Clancey W.j. The Epistemology of a Rule-Based Expert System -A Framework for Explanation, Artificial Intelligence, vol.20, 1983, p.215-251.
• 9: Davis R., Buchanan B.G. Meta-Level Knowledge: Overview and Applications, IJCAi-5, 1977, p.920-927.
• 10: Davis R. Meta-Rules: Reasoning about Control, Artificial Intelligence, vol. 15, 1980, p. 179-222.
• 11: Anne von der Lieth Gardner, An artificial intelligence approach to legal reasoning, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1987
• 12: Michael R. Genesereth , Nils J. Nilsson, Logical foundations of artificial intelligence, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers Inc., San Francisco, CA, 1987
• 13: GordonT.F. The Importance of Non-Monotonicity for Legal Reasoning in: Fiedler H., Haft F., Traunmuiler T. (editors) Expert Systems in Law: Impacts on Legal Theory and Computer Law, Attempto Verlag, Tuebingen, 1988.
• 14: Hamfelt A., Barklund J. Metalevels in Legal Knowledge and their Runnable Representation in Logic, III International Conference on Logic, Computers and Law, Florence, 1989.
• 15: Hart H.L.A. The Concept of Law, Oxford University Press, 1961.
• 16: Frederick Hayes-Roth , Donald A. Waterman , Douglas B. Lenat, Building expert systems, Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 1983
• 17: Llewellyn K.N. Remarks on the Theory of Appellate Decisions and the Rules of Canons about how Statutes are to be construed, Vand. L. Rev. 3: 395, 1950.
• 18: Llewellyn K.N. The Common Law Tradition, Little& Brown, Boston, 1960, p.77-91.
• 19: Oskamp A. Knowledge Representation and Legal Expert Systems in: Vandenberghe G.P.V. (editor) Advanced Topics of Law and Information Technology, Kluwer, Deventer, 1989
• 20: E. L. Rissland , D. B. Skalak, Interpreting statutory predicates, Proceedings of the 2nd international conference on Artificial intelligence and law, p.46-53, May 1989, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada [doi>10.1145/74014.74021]
• 21: T. Routen, Hierarchically organised formalisations, Proceedings of the 2nd international conference on Artificial intelligence and law, p.242-250, May 1989, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada [doi>10.1145/74014.74045]
• 22: Schild Uri J. Expert Systems, Meta-Rules and Quasi-Legal Domains, Tenth International Workshop on Expert Systems, Avignon, 1990.
• 23: Walker R.F., Zeinstra P.G.M., van den Berg P.H. A Model to Model Knowledge about Knowledge or Implementing Meta-Knowledge in PROLEXS in: Vandenberghe G.P.V. (editor) Advanced Topics of Law and Information Technology, Kluwer, Deventer, 1989
• 24: Weyhrauch R.W. Prolegomena to a Theory of Mechanized Formal Reasoning, Artificial Intelligence, vol. 13, 1980, p.133-170.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.1 Applications and Expert Systems
          Subjects: Law

Additional Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.3 Deduction and Theorem Proving
          Subjects: Deduction (e.g., natural, rule-based)

  J. Computer Applications
  J.1 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA PROCESSING
      Subjects: Law

General Terms:
Algorithms, Legal Aspects, Theory