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8 Jurimetrics J. 86 (1966-1968)
Search Criteria as Boolean Functions

handle is hein.journals/juraba8 and id is 94 raw text is: SEARCH CRITERIA AS BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS Werner F. Grunbaum University of Missouri at St. Louis Abstract Search criteria in legal retrieval, built upon the work of Lawlor, may be expressed as Boolean functions. The application of Boolean functions facilities the grouping of conditions into clauses and the searching for alternative conditions in legal retrieval. Lawlor in 1962 applied Boolean algebra to the prediction of legal cases.1 This paper seeks to expand Lawlor's work by emphasizing the usefulness of Boolean algebra for search procedures.2 The initial data base that would serve as a basis for later legal retrieval could be established according to Lawlor's procedures. In addition, by introducing a generalized system of variables applicable to a broader base of cases, the retrieval system could be applied to other legal problems. However, the retrieval may be applied either to specific or to generalized variables. When the search criteria are implemented as Boolean functions, a sought file record when found in the computer memory is retrieved. Accordingly, Boolean algebra may be used for the possible retrieval of singular conditions, the conjunction of groups of variables, and the choice of alternative conditions. For example, a search of a group of union regulation cases may be directed toward the following conditions: 1) appeal from a state court and federal conflict claimed by union 2) appeal from a National Labor Relations Board hearing and union claim of federal or state administrative or judicial action invalid. 3) arbitration held for union, or arbitration held against union. Such a search might be represented by a IHoolean Function as follows: RETRIEVAL = a2c3 + a 3d1 I (b1 I 2) ISymbols defined in Table II Determitation of the Data Base In intelligence information retrieval, as distinct from purely seman- tic information retrieval, some measure of accuracy must be established for the data under manipulation. One such measure of accuracy can be established by determining the degree to which the legal outcome can be predicted from the data for a series of cases under consideration. Of course, predictability alone is not a sufficient measure of accuracy. JURIMETRICS JOURNAL

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