Visualization tools, argumentation schemes and expert opinion evidence in law

Abstract

New models of evidential reasoning have been closely tied in with the development of visualization tools in artificial intelligence, especially automated systems for argument diagramming. Surveying several models and visualization tools recently developed in artificial intelligence, this paper argues that any discussion of visualization methods or tools of this sort should focus on their suitability for visualizing argumentation schemes, including critical questions. The classic scheme, used in this paper to illustrate how schemes need to be a vital part of advancing argumentation technology in tools for evidence visualization in law, is that for argument from expert opinion. The visualization of argumentation schemes is illustrated using a new version of the scheme, which takes into consideration Supreme Court rulings on the admissibility of expert witness testimony.