As part of the IP Intensive program, I had the unique opportunity to join the Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, also known as CodeX. Comprising researchers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and technologists, CodeX is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of legal technology. One of its core tenets is advancing the mechanization of legal reasoning within the realm of legal informatics.
Artificial Intelligence's Impact Across Domains
Throughout my time at CodeX, I was exposed to an intersection of diverse disciplines aimed at exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence. It was during this time that I began to realize I stood in the midst of a technological explosion. Progress in both science and society has been catalyzed by historic moments in which new technologies have opened completely new windows into nature as well as ourselves. Take for instance the invention of the microscope. Its invention opened new windows into the world of microbes and materials, which in turn led to advancements in medicine and technology. Similarly, I found myself living through a historic moment whereby AI was opening new windows for a wide range of different industries and areas of research. AI was purported to serve as a catalyst, offering insights into intricate patterns in nature and the depths of human creativity. It seemed that everyone I encountered during my placement was motivated by all these developments to explore more fully the opportunities for AI to enhance human scientific understanding, creativity, and society.
Automation in Contractual Assessment
So where did the law lie in all of this? In today's legal and technological landscape, automating the assembly and analysis of complex legal documents has emerged as a topic of significant importance and intrigue. In the age of AI, this question of whether we can automate legal reasoning has become ever more pressing with the new avenues for automation that AI presents. And so, as part of my IP Intensive project, I set out to explore the process of automating contractual assessment.
For centuries, the legal profession has relied on traditional, language-based expressions to define agreements. From the moment we begin our legal careers, we are often taught to capture the dynamic nature of relationships between contracting parties through ordinary textual contracts. This conventional approach has instilled in us the idea that the framework of an agreement can only ever be articulated through written words on paper.
Exploring Computable Contracts and the Transformative Power of Computational Language
However, despite the longstanding association of agreements with legal documents, I have learned that an alternative means of representing contractual terms is indeed possible. During my placement, I was introduced to the idea of expressing the contractual relationship in computer code through what is called a computable contract. Essentially, a computable contract is the expression of the bargain in computational language (i.e., computer code) instead of written human language which is traditionally how we express it.
What鈥檚 exciting about this is that computational language could serve as structured language for expressing and processing complex contractual relationships. By writing contract terms as computer code, it becomes possible for a person and a machine to determine the compliance of any relevant set of circumstances with the terms and conditions of the contract. Importantly, in theory, this makes it possible to conduct contractual analysis in a purely mechanical way, thus enhancing efficiency and transparency. In a way, computational language allows us to harness centuries of precise science and systematic knowledge and apply it in a way that is practically helpful to people dealing with real-world legal questions and concerns. Computational contracts, serving as an alternative to conventional natural language contracts, demonstrate the transformative capabilities inherent in computational language.
Looking to the Future
As I conclude this chapter of my academic journey, I am grateful for the experiences and skills gained at my placement. The faculty and mentors at CodeX played a pivotal role in providing support and guidance, connecting me with experts who could answer my research questions and facilitating a rich learning experience. The strong foundation built has fueled my excitement for what is to come with respect to the automation of contract analysis. The opportunities that lie ahead for AI, computable contracts and the law are met with enthusiasm and a commitment to continued contribution. And so, I eagerly anticipate the legal profession's future amid these technological advancements.
Patricia Borja completed the Fall 2023 IP Intensive cohort