Computer Aided Drafting of Legal Documents.

A model of computerized document drafting systems which identifies the scope of the systems and describes the capabilities that every document drafting system must possess is presented. In the model a system is divided into user interface, control, fact storage, and document formatter modules. These modules are analyzed and their functions are described in detail. The technical and legal knowledge needed by the document designer and system user is described. Document templates that specify the content, form, and rules for completing the final document are described. The facilities a document designer needs to specify a document template are identified and used to define the requirements of a language for designing templates. A simple, easily implemented language has been designed in accordance with these requirements, and the syntax and semantics of the language are described formally. A prototype software system based upon the specifications of the model has been constructed and tested on two different computers. This system includes a processor for the template design language, and it allows actual legal documents to be produced. The system has been tested using a hypothetical fact situation involving the creation of security agreements drafted in accordance with Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. This dissertation also includes a survey of the application of computers to the law, and it outlines the places where computers are now being used and where it is expected that they will be used in the future. The existing computerized document development systems are described and compared.PhDLawUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/158730/1/8204753.pd