JURIX 2011 - JURIX Workshop on Fundamental Concepts and Systematization of Law

The purpose of this workshop is to discuss the fundamental concepts of law and to develop theories and methods to systematize law. Legal scholars have long since endeavored to systematize law as a united order. The systematization of law has been an important goal of legal science. The systematization of law is also very important for the study on artificial intelligence and law, because law must be systematized in a knowledge base so that computers can infer the resolution of problems as a result of the application of the whole legal system to the problem. In Vienna, where JURIX 2011 is held, Hans Kelsen developed his general theory of law, in which he systematized law as a united order in terms of legal norms clarifying fundamental concepts of law. Kelsen’s theory fails, however, to utilize precise logical and computational methods, for at that time the contemporary mathematical logic and computer science were not available to him to develop his legal theory. In the mean time, these sciences and methods have become available for legal scholars. How can we now systematize law as a united order? In order to systematize law, it is necessary for us to clarify and define fundamental concepts of law such as legal rules or norms, their validity or invalidity, rights and duties etc., because the system of law could be or should be constituted only on the basis of clear definitions of such fundamental concepts. Considering the achievements of Hans Kelsen, we believe that it is worthwhile to challenge ourselves to clarify fundamental concepts of law and to systematize law applying recent scientific perspectives and methods of thought (in terms of artificial intelligence and law). Although we, organizers of this workshop, are standing on the assumption that systematization of law is necessary and possible, it ought to be emphasized that critical perspectives on the subject are also welcome.
http://fundamentalconcepts.wordpress.com/call-for-...
List of topics (including but not limited to):

The concept and/or the structure of

legal rules or norms,
legal validity,
formation of law,
hierarchy in legal systems,
the basic norm and rule of recognition,
rights and duties,
permissions, obligations and prohibitions, and
states and legal persons.

Deductive, abductive and inductive reasoning in law,
multi-layered reasoning,
systematization and/or axiomatization of law and
critical perspectives on fundamental legal concepts and systematization of law.