Computational Equivalence: A Structured Lab Methodology for Comparative Law in the Age of Artificial Intelligence  

Abstract

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Comparative legal scholarship faces a challenge of scale as global legal data expands exponentially. Traditional manual methodologies create a bottleneck for empirical studies. This article proposes a novel, algorithmic framework for "Legal Equivalence" designed to structure human analysis and train computational systems.

Moving beyond binary distinctions, the framework introduces a 31-point decimal scale (d=0.0–3.0) to quantify "Legal Distance." This metric allows researchers to distinguish between "Strong" and "Weak" equivalents by measuring operational friction and reliability gaps. The methodology converts doctrinal analysis into structured data, enabling the safe application of Large Language Models (LLMs) to comparative research through a "Dual-Protocol" for Null Values and a rigorous "Human-in-the-Loop" (HITL) audit.

To resolve "border cases," the article details empirical protocols including "Feature Mapping," "Statistical Outcome Analysis," and "Professional Consensus Verification" (using expert heuristics as Bayesian priors). Finally, the framework introduces a Legal Convergence Vector (Vlegal) that utilizes the invariant metric (d) to track legal evolution over time. By applying a unified coordinate system to both jurisdictional space and historical time—analogous to a general theory of relativity for legal dynamics—this methodology transforms the field from anecdotal observation to empirical calibration.

This is a Working Paper intended for community feedback. Comments are welcome at [e-mail]. The methodology is implemented in Python and certified for technical accuracy by Dr. Lars Henrik Daehli Skjolding. The implementation is available via Zenodo (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18458582).

Keywords: Functional Equivalent, Computational Comparative Law, Comparative Legal Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Legal Equivalence, Legal Convergence, Comparative Law Lab Methodology

JEL Classification: K00, K1, K40, O33, C38, K15, K33