An expert system for juvenile delinquent disposition advisement

This article reports on the development of the Juvenile Delinquent Disposition Advisor expert system, also called a knowledge-based system (KBS). This application extends the contribution of expert system technology in the legal domain by supporting decision making in the juvenile delinquency area. It provides judges assigned to juvenile delinquency cases with support in reaching unbiased and consistent sentencing decisions. It also assists attorneys who defend or prosecute juvenile delinquency cases-by knowing the sentencing options in advance, attorneys can better devise effective case strategies. Family Court attorneys tested the KBS with actual cases, and they were receptive to the assistance provided by the KBS. This article discusses the background, design, implementation, and testing of this KBS application. Policy implications and plans for further enhancements are also covered.