NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING IN LEGAL INFORMATICS: BRIDGING LAW AND COMPUTING

Abstract

Natural Language Processing (NLP) plays a crucial role in the integration of law and computing by enabling efficient and intelligent analysis of legal texts. With the rise of electronic legal resources, including case law, statutes, regulations, and legal briefs, the ability to extract meaningful insights from these large data sets has become increasingly significant. This paper explores the potential of NLP in Legal Informatics, focusing on how computational models can be utilized to enhance the understanding, accessibility, and automation of legal processes. We examine the key challenges and innovations in applying NLP to legal texts, such as legal interpretation, information retrieval, sentiment analysis, and document classification. Additionally, we discuss the evolving role of NLP in promoting legal decision-making, improving legal research, and supporting legal professionals in their work. This study emphasizes the convergence of artificial intelligence and legal practices, offering a roadmap for future advancements and implications for the legal field.