Legal reasoning in 3-D

ABSTRACT

This article contains a theory of normative defeasible reasoning based on the modal deontic logic 3-D. The concept of “relative weight” between competing norms is defined, and 3-D is used to formalize two types of legal reasoning (“subsumptive” and “means/end”). A general overview is given of a PROLOG program, 3dpr, that implements the 3-D based theory of normative reasoning.

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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:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.3 LOGICS AND MEANINGS OF PROGRAMS
      F.3.1 Specifying and Verifying and Reasoning about Programs
          Subjects: Logics of programs

  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human information processing

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.3 Deduction and Theorem Proving
          Subjects: Uncertainty, "fuzzy," and probabilistic reasoning

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Theory