Why we do it
The essence of law is to facilitate peaceful coexistence among people. However, the challenge lies in the increasing difficulty of accessing affordable and comprehensible law, exacerbated by the rapid evolution of digital technologies that introduce unprecedented challenges. The project “Law as Neural Network” is driven by the imperative to address this issue and formulate a strategy to transform law into an adaptable, dynamic, and computable form. The goal is to develop computable law that harnesses the capabilities of modern technologies to assist human intelligence at an unprecedented scale and pace. Recognizing the inadequacies of existing legal structures in coping with the complexities of the digital age, this project explores the theory that an ecosystem of artificial neural networks could be an ideal computable form of law. Drawing inspiration from its biological counterpart, an artificial neural network exhibits flexibility in storing and connecting information across various levels and categories. The critical aspect is the ability to weigh these connections, a facet where human semantic understanding is indispensable. While artificial neural networks cannot replicate this human skill, they can computably reflect it, opening avenues for a transformative approach to law that can be accessible to all.
How we do it
The Liquid Legal Institute takes on a pioneering role in investigating the feasibility of an ecosystem of artificial neural networks as an optimal computable form of law. This approach draws parallels with the historical shift brought about by script thousands of years ago, which revolutionized the communication of law. In a similar vein, artificial neural networks are envisioned as the next step to democratize access to law for everyone.
It is crucial to emphasize that both strategies, the historical adoption of script and the contemporary exploration of artificial neural networks, do not seek to replace humans but rather aim at bolstering and supporting human intelligence. The project delves into the technical intricacies of implementing an artificial neural network-based legal framework and explores how this paradigm shift can make law more accessible and adaptable in the face of evolving challenges posed by the digital era.