Coherence as constraint satisfaction

judicial reasoning support mechanism

Jaromír Šavelka

pp. 203-216

in: Michał Araszkiewicz, Jaromír Šavelka (eds), Coherence, Berlin, Springer, 2013

Abstract

This chapter proposes coherence as constraint satisfaction as a suitable mechanism to be considered for judicial reasoning support. First of all it establishes a notion of "legal problem solving" and draws intuitive parallels to algorithm as "computational problem solving procedure". Then, Thagard's coherence as constraint satisfaction is introduced to the reader as a general problem solving mechanism/formalism. The chapter continues with an overview of the main concerns and objections that are to be found in fields of law and computer science against a large-scale deployment of any formal mechanism as a tool for support of judicial reasoning. A list of requirements any formal mechanism must meet in order to be a viable candidate for such a deployment is then formulated. Finally, coherence as constraint satisfaction is briefly checked if it meets the requirements. It is concluded that it seems to meet them and thus, to be a mechanism worth considering of a large-scale deployment as a judicial reasoning support formalism.