Skip to main content

Table 1 Legal Q&A versus General Q&A: a comparative analysis of characteristics and implications

From: Exploring the state of the art in legal QA systems

Aspect

Legal Q&A

General Q&A

Knowledge required

Specialized knowledge of laws and regulations

Can vary depending on topic

Complexity

Often complex and nuanced

Can vary but may be more straightforward than legal Q &A

Consequences

Can have serious legal and financial consequences

Usually less severe consequences

Sources

Legal texts, case law, statutes, and regulations

Can vary depending on the topic, and may include expert opinions, published research, and common knowledge

Evidence

Often requires supporting evidence and documentation

May not require supporting evidence

Formality

Often more formal and structured than general Q&A. Questions may however come sometimes from non-professional users

Can vary, maybe more casual or conversational

Reliability

Answers must be accurate, reliable, and legally defensible

Answers may be based on opinion or subjective interpretation