Legal Research and Analytics
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Legal Technology and Data Analytics course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
A priori refers to knowledge or information that is known before a particular ev… #
In legal research and analytics, a priori knowledge can be used to inform and guide the research process, helping to identify relevant sources and evaluate the credibility of evidence. Related terms include a posteriori, which refers to knowledge or information that is known after a particular event or experience, and deductive reasoning, which involves drawing conclusions based on established facts or principles.
Ab initio refers to something that is done or considered from the beginning</… #
In legal research and analytics, ab initio principles can be used to evaluate the validity or effectiveness of a particular approach or strategy, helping to identify potential flaws or weaknesses from the outset. Related terms include ex post facto, which refers to something that is done or considered after the fact, and retroactive, which refers to a law or rule that is applied retroactively.
Access to justice refers to the ability of individuals or groups to access</b… #
In legal research and analytics, access to justice is an important consideration, as it can impact the effectiveness and fairness of the legal system. Related terms include legal aid, which refers to financial assistance provided to individuals or groups to help them access the legal system, and pro bono, which refers to legal services provided free of charge.
Accumulation of evidence refers to the process of gathering and compil… #
In legal contexts, the accumulation of evidence can be a critical aspect of the research process, as it can help to establish facts, prove guilt or innocence, and inform legal decisions. Related terms include evidence-based reasoning, which involves drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence, and fact-finding, which refers to the process of gathering and evaluating facts.
Actionable intelligence refers to information or insights that can… #
In legal contexts, actionable intelligence can be used to support strategic decision-making, such as identifying potential legal risks or opportunities, and developing effective mitigation strategies. Related terms include business intelligence, which refers to the use of data and analytics to inform business decision-making, and competitive intelligence, which refers to the use of data and analytics to inform competitive decision-making.
Admissibility of evidence refers to the rules and standards that g… #
In legal contexts, the admissibility of evidence can be a critical aspect of the research process, as it can impact the effectiveness and fairness of the legal system. Related terms include hearsay, which refers to testimony or evidence that is based on second-hand information, and privileged communication, which refers to communication that is protected from disclosure.
Adversarial system refers to a system or approach in which opposin… #
In legal contexts, the adversarial system can be an effective way to resolve disputes and establish facts, but it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Related terms include alternative dispute resolution, which refers to approaches such as mediation or arbitration, and inquisitorial system, which refers to a system in which a neutral third-party investigates and establishes facts.
Alternative dispute resolution refers to approaches or methods tha… #
In legal contexts, alternative dispute resolution can be an effective way to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently, while also reducing costs and promoting settlement. Related terms include mediation, which refers to a process in which a neutral third-party facilitates negotiation and settlement, and arbitration, which refers to a process in which a neutral third-party makes a binding decision.
Analytical reasoning refers to the process or method of evaluating… #
In legal contexts, analytical reasoning can be used to evaluate the credibility and relevance of evidence, identify patterns and trends, and develop effective legal strategies. Related terms include critical thinking, which refers to the process of evaluating and interpreting information, and problem-solving, which refers to the process of identifying and addressing challenges or obstacles.
Anomaly detection refers to the process or method of identifying u… #
In legal contexts, anomaly detection can be used to identify potential legal risks or opportunities, such as identifying unusual patterns of behavior or activity. Related terms include predictive analytics, which refers to the use of data and analytics to predict future outcomes or events, and machine learning, which refers to the use of algorithms and statistical models to identify patterns and trends.
Appeal refers to the process or procedure of challenging a decisio… #
In legal contexts, the appeal process can be an important aspect of the legal system, as it provides a mechanism for challenging and correcting errors or injustices. Related terms include appellate court, which refers to a court that hears appeals, and judicial review, which refers to the process of reviewing and evaluating the decisions of lower courts.
Artificial intelligence refers to the use or application of algori… #
In legal contexts, artificial intelligence can be used to support a range of tasks, including document review, data analysis, and predictive modeling. Related terms include machine learning, which refers to the use of algorithms and statistical models to identify patterns and trends, and natural language processing, which refers to the use of algorithms and statistical models to evaluate and interpret human language.
Authentication refers to the process or procedure of verifying the… #
In legal contexts, authentication can be a critical aspect of the research process, as it can impact the effectiveness and fairness of the legal system. Related terms include verification, which refers to the process of checking or confirming the accuracy of information, and validation, which refers to the process of evaluating or assessing the credibility or reliability of evidence.
Big data refers to large or complex datasets that are difficult to… #
In legal contexts, big data can be used to support a range of tasks, including predictive modeling, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring. Related terms include data analytics, which refers to the use of statistical and computational methods to evaluate and interpret data, and data mining, which refers to the process of discovering patterns and relationships in large datasets.
Brief refers to a document or submission that is filed with a cour… #
In legal contexts, briefs can be an important aspect of the legal process, as they provide a mechanism for presenting arguments and evidence to the court. Related terms include memorandum, which refers to a document that summarizes or outlines a particular argument or position, and petition, which refers to a document that requests a particular action or relief.
Case law refers to the body or collection of judicial decisions an… #
In legal contexts, case law can be an important aspect of the legal system, as it provides a mechanism for establishing precedent and guiding future decisions. Related terms include precedent, which refers to a prior decision or ruling that is used to guide future decisions, and stare decisis, which refers to the doctrine of following prior decisions or rulings.
Causation refers to the relationship or connection between a parti… #
In legal contexts, causation can be a critical aspect of the research process, as it can impact the effectiveness and fairness of the legal system. Related terms include proximate cause, which refers