NCJ Number
86064
Date Published
1980
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This conference paper, describes the interaction of computers with lawyers and legal research in Canada.
Abstract
Computers will play an increasing role in the law firms of the future. Examples of where lawyers and computers currently interact include the Prosecutors Management Information System (PROMIS), computer simulation of the law office, legal retrieval systems, word processing, and the Province of Ontario Land Registration and Information System (POLARIS). PROMIS is an example of computers working as an integral part of the management and operational activities in a law office. The system, developed in the United States, helps prosecutors organize and track cases. Another important use of computers is in the modeling of complex activities of the law firm. A simple financial model could analyze such factors as partner remuneration and partner-associate ratio in the firm. If the firm's clients wish to purchase a computer, lawyers must be able to advise clients on relevant laws in this area. In addition, computerized legal searching tools are now available on a commercial basis and are used widely in the United States. Word processors are primitive, low-level computers whose information processing capabilities are indispensable to the attorney. Finally, the POLARIS system will provide an efficient information processing tool to facilitate the buying and selling of land in Ontario through provision of survey and title data. No references are cited.