Transformation of Legal Languages

The law has still primarily a linguistic representation and it is especially communicating with language. This is changing, and the representation becomes more multi-layered, both in terms of the form (text corpus as a legal information system, citizens portals, formalization, structure, images, graphics, input forms, etc.) as well as the legal regime (international law, EU law, national law, etc.). A linguistic transformation takes place in the concretization of general norms by practice and courts. The multilingualism of EU law requires a transformation between official languages, using more and more IT support. The law becomes multi-layered and multi-sensory: To the language with its different language versions are added pictures, videos, graphics etc. but also semantic, automatically processed versions (legal ontologies, logical structures, etc.). This diversity makes it possible to reach all population groups and to support semantic processing of content.

The aim of the IRIS2012 is to highlight this development to diverse representation and communication of the law and to find appropriate practical solutions.

The IRIS conference is well known for its interdisciplinary approach and the involvement of administration, business and civil society.

Conference language is German but partly also English. Of the 6 tracks, one will be in English.

IRIS 2011 consists of a main conference, structured into several tracks. PEPPOL will be presented in the Proocurement session on the 23rd of February.