Belgian case law: from finding a citation to understanding a judgment
AI can help compare decisions. First, establish that the right judgment is available and has actually been read.
Finding is not understanding
A search returns a judgment whose summary appears to answer the question perfectly. In this fictional example, a lawyer preparing a note wants to know whether the decision truly supports the argument. An assistant can suggest a reading framework, but a heading and a short summary do not establish the judgment’s reach.
Juportal provides published Belgian case law without guaranteeing exhaustive coverage. An ECLI identifier, where available, helps locate and cite a particular decision. The date, court and case number provide further checks that the document is the intended one.
Work from an identified text
Once the text is available in an appropriate environment, the lawyer asks the tool to separate facts, claim, procedural history, question considered and outcome. Each entry must point to an identifiable passage. If the judgment does not supply an item, the summary must say so.
This instruction helps prevent a party’s submission from being presented as the court’s conclusion. The reader can verify the summary through targeted checks while keeping the full judgment available. Uncertain passages should remain uncertain rather than becoming a smooth but misleading narrative.
Compare without erasing differences
A table comparing two judgments can show similarities in facts and differences in procedure. The tool should not infer contradictory outcomes merely from different wording in summaries. The question decided and the applicable legal framework need separate examination.
The useful output is a map of further checks. A decision may help explain a concept while offering little support on the client’s particular facts. Identifying that limitation is part of the value of the exercise, not a failure of the search.
Cite what was actually checked
The final note retains the link, identifiers and verified passages. An untraceable reference is removed or clearly marked unverified, never completed with invented details. AI can support preliminary reading and comparison while selection of the authorities relied upon remains a professional judgment.
Sources and references
General information. Application to a matter depends on its facts and the rules in force.
