Monday, April 25, 2011

Developing CAD for Law—Part 1

Unified Contract Structure

One of the core characteristics of a computer aided drafting (CAD) system is the development of modular, reusable building blocks. Just as computer programming progressed from linear, procedural methods of languages such as C to the object-orientated programming methods of languages like C++, CAD will break the silos of discrete document types and construct agreements based on modules.

I propose a Unified Contract Structure (UCS) based on 10 contractual building blocks reflecting the organization of clauses in bi-lateral and multi-lateral exchanges. The USC is comprised of the 10 core objects, a listing of document types, cross-referenced to a hierarchical clause library of terms and provisions. The result is a Contract Matrix.

It is hoped that in addition to reusability, the matrix can help contract drafters “see the forest for the trees.” This is one of the reasons why Atul Gawande’s 3 part Operating Room checklist can reduce surgical complications by one-third. Click here to view the Surgical Safety Checklist.

1 comment:

  1. The discrete card in that HP Pro Book is fine for CAD. You don't need workstation graphics card unless you want photo realistic rendering (which isn't necessary for school).

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