Computational Methods for Legal Analysis

Computational analysis can be seen as the most recent innovation in field of Empirical Legal Studies (ELS). It concerns use computer science and big data tools to collect, analyse understand large unstructured data, such for instance (legal) text. Given that text is now object analysis, but methods are (largely) quantitative, it lies intersection between doctrinal analysis ELS. It brings with not only a great potential to scale up research answer old questions, but also to reveal uncovered patterns address new questions. Despite slowly growing number legal scholars who already applying methods, is underutilised in the law. Furthermore, given this method comes from social sciences, many scholars are not even aware its existence potential. Therefore, the purpose special issue introduce these methods lawyers discuss possibilities their application, but also pay attention challenges, with a specific emphasis on ethical issues arising from using ‘big data’ challenge building capacity such methods law schools. This editorial briefly explains some of which belong movement of Computational Analysis provides examples of their application. then introduces those articles included in this issue. Finally, personal note the way forward within Computational Legal