Coding legal apps: an introduction to rule-based AI in law
This half-day course is designed to give lawyers a theoretical hands-on glimpse of what is possible using DataLex software, developed by the Australasian Legal Information Institute, AustLII. See how a knowledge-based program can be written in English-like syntax to answer a problem based on legislative provisions.
Description
Coding legal apps: an introduction to rule-based AI in law
The use of technology can empower lawyers to create effective and efficient systems and tools to help avoid errors and oversights and serve clients well. This half-day course is designed to give lawyers a theoretical and hands-on glimpse of what is possible. It is a practical introduction to the creation of rule-based decision-support systems to answer legal questions. This is one type of artificial intelligence (AI) used in law.
The course uses the DataLex software developed by the Australasian Legal Information Institute, AustLII. You will see examples developed using Datalex to demonstrate the basic principles of rule-based reasoning. You will then see how a knowledge-based program can be written in English-like syntax to answer a problem based on legislative provisions.
This seminar is for lawyers and it is not a requirement to have experience in coding to attend. The facilitators will go through some coding concepts on the day and give attendees the basic skills to develop small test examples themselves if they wish to bring their own laptops.
Topic 1: Basic principles of rule-based reasoning in law
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The various types and purposes of ‘AI in law’
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Propositional logic and declarative representation of legal knowledge
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Goals and production rules – some simple examples
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What you are aiming for – some larger examples to run
Topic 2: Representing legal knowledge with the DataLex software
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An English-like knowledge representation
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Representing legislation as a set of rules
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The main types of rules, attributes and connectors
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Starting from scratch using the DataLex Developer’s Tool
Topic 3: Connecting an AI application to AustLII
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Interpretation: Why an AI app needs a whole legal information system
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AustLII Communities: Automated connections to sections of Acts
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Embedding links to explanations, and to searches for relevant cases
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How to add some case law reasoning; and to connect knowledge-bases
Topic 4: Testing out the DataLex / AustLII Communities platform
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Some tips on building systems which are sustainable
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Develop a test application in small groups
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Discuss the possibilities and limitations of use in practice
To test and experience coding concepts on the day, it is recommended that you bring a laptop to this session.
Thursday 7 November, 2019
9:00 am - 9:15 am Registrations
9:15 am - 1:00 pm Course
1:00 pm Close
Venue
College of Law, Victoria
Level 1, 555 Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000
CPD 3.5 Knowledge areas Professional skills, Practice Management and Business Skills
All queries relating to CPD rules please refer to the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015. Information is also here. LPLC does not keep records of practitioner CPD.
Registration fee
$300.00 including GST | Credit card, BPay and cheque payments available
Presented by Phillip Chung, Associate Professor of Law, UNSW Sydney, Executive Director AustLII.
