SmartLaw: adapting “classic” expert system techniques for the legal research domain

ABSTRACT

This report describes research in progress on the development of a computer expert system (SmartLaw) for giving advice on legal research problems. Legal research exhibits many of the characteristics of a suitable domain for expert system development; however, it also poses unique challenges for knowledge-based system design. To meet these challenges, we use a four-level knowledge structure of research STRATEGIES, GOALS, RESOURCES and PLANS, with three processing components: a rule-based backward-chaining reasoning component, a database component, and a hypertext component. This paper explains our evolving model of legal research knowledge and describes the architecture and implementation of a working prototype of the SmartLaw system.

REFERENCES

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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.2.8 Problem Solving, Control Methods, and Search
          Subjects: Heuristic methods

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

General Terms:
Algorithms, Legal Aspects