Ontology
/ɒnˈtɒlədʒi/
Definitions
- (n.) A structured framework for representing concepts, categories, and relationships within legal knowledge systems.
The legal ontology helped automate contract analysis by categorizing key terms and their relations.
- (n.) The philosophical study of the nature of being and existence as it relates to law and legal theory.
Legal scholars debated the ontology of rights and obligations in jurisprudence.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal informatics, ontology refers primarily to formal representations of legal knowledge to enable computation, but it also encompasses philosophical inquiry into the nature of legal entities and their existence.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.