Machine Learning Solutions for Improving Access to Law
Supervisors: Prof Dr Gijs van Dijck and Dr Jerry Spanakis.
Keywords: Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Specialised Domain, Access to Law
Many individuals are likely to face a legal dispute at some point in their lives, but the lack of understanding of how to navigate these complex issues often renders those with few resources vulnerable. The advancement of machine learning and natural language processing opens new avenues for bridging this legal literacy gap through the development of automated legal aid systems.
This thesis investigates the potential of such systems in automatically retrieving relevant legislation and delivering understandable answers to legal questions posed in layperson's terms. These automated tools could provide a free professional assisting service for people in need, empowering disadvantaged parties in legal disputes and improving equal access to justice.
Nonetheless, research into this area remains scarce, primarily due to the complexities and costs of constructing specialised datasets necessary for their development and evaluation. This gap is addressed by exploring different aspects of automated legal aid solutions.
Also read
-
Globalisation & Law Network seminar with Rodrigo Vallejo Garretón
On 4 July 2025, the Globalisation & Law Network had the pleasure of welcoming Dr Rodrigo Vallejo Garretón, Assistant Professor in Private Law at the University of Amsterdam.
-
Maastricht Montesquieu Institute (MMI) to be discontinued as of 1 September 2025
MMI to be discontinued as of 1 September 2025; research continues elsewhere.
-
Globalisation & Law Network seminar with Christine Frison and Adriana Moreno Cely
On 15 May 2025, the Globalisation & Law Network held a seminar featuring Prof.dr. Christine Frison and Dr Adriana Moreno Cely (University of Liège), who presented their forthcoming article ‘Navigating Chaos: Decolonial and Feminist Methodologies in International Biodiversity Law’ (co-authored with...
