Beyond Document Retrieval toward Information Retrieval

Abstract

Electronic data processing systems are being seriously considered for use in legal research, and a veritable flood of articles has appeared in various legal periodicals speculating about the use to which such systems can be put in legal context. The general tone of these articles is understandable, for "we are all groping to achieve a better understanding of the relation of these developments in communication technology and law, and it is to be expected that discussion will be vague and general at the outset." As one step in the direction of more explicitly defining the role of computers in the law, Professor Allen presents a specific proposal for improving the drafting of legal documents so that some of the logical analysis of the contents can be performed automatically. He then applies this proposal to sample sections of the federal estate tax. This Article is not easy reading, and a casual glance at the text may unfortunately discourage all but a few from even beginning it. But the steps as Professor Allen has drawn them are gradual and are not difficult to follow. Should you decide to work through the Article, we think that your knowledge and appreciation of this potential revolution in legal methods will be greatly enhanced.