Retrieving Information in online dispute resolution platforms : a hybrid method

Information Retrieval is a theme that is so multifaceted as it is its significance to any knowledge-based sphere of influence. This is true in The Law, especially when we judge under the angle of the so-called On-line Dispute Resolution. Indeed, there is the need to analyze and develop efficient information retrieval methods that may improve the course of actions that depend on such techniques. It was under this line of thought that we look at two different methods for information retrieval, and then strengthen its advantages into a third one. The results of this effort are now being applied in UMCourt, an Online Dispute Resolution platform that helps disputant parties and software agents to interact and make their decisions.The work described in this paper is included in TIARAC - Telematics and Artificial Intelligence in Alternative Conflict Resolution Project (PTDC/JUR/71354/2006), which is a research project supported by FCT (Science & Technology Foundation), Portugal