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In devising such systems, we are taking into consideration the Katsch/Rifkin vision
of the four parties in an ODR process: the two opposing parties, the third neutral party
and the technology that works with the mediator or arbitrator [4].We clearly assume a
gradual tendency to foster the intervention of autonomous software agents, whichac-
teither as decision support systems or as real electronic mediators [5]. The considera-
tion of this wider role for software agents is based in the use of Artificial Intelligence
based methodologies and techniques eitherfor problem solving or knowledge repre-
sentation and reasoning, such as Case-Based Reasoning [6].
In this paper we focus on the problematic of developing an architecture for multi-
domain dispute resolution, whose objective is to enable a range of services targeted at
assisting the disputant parties, independently of the domain of the dispute. This archi-
tecture is abstract in the sense that it encompasses perceptions that are common to the
several domains addressed. It is also specific in the sense that it provides support for
the specificities of each domain, in a transparent manner. Indeed, the objective of this
work is to develop an agent-based architecture that can be used in several legal do-
mains.It is being developed in the context of the Portuguese legal system, covering
three major fields of The Law: Family Law [13], Consumer Law [12] and Labor Law
[11].
2 Identifying Abstract Perceptions and Processes
In a dispute resolution process we can talk of abstract entities that are present regard-
less the domain of the dispute. As an example, to a certain point, a negotiation process
will always be a sequence of rounds in which, in each round, each party states itsview
about the current proposal on the table, i.e., the process goes on independently of the
subject of the proposals. The same happens with certain perceptions. As an example,
independently of the domain of the dispute, a party will always be interested in know-
ing its best and worst possible scenario. Therefore, in the development of an abstract
architecture, firstly one has to identify which perceptions and processes are present in
the quite a few domains that can be modeled.
2.1 Abstract Perceptions
On determining the abstract picture for a multi-domain ODR tool aimed at assisting
the parties, one mustpursue by determining which information would actually be
useful for the parties and then state the overall perception of the situation. Undenia-
bly, it would be interesting for a party to determine to which extent is it reasonable to
engage in a dispute resolution process, i.e.,would a better outcome be reached using
an alternative dispute resolution process instead of litigation?
The thought that encompasses this is the BATNA - Best Alternative to a Negoti-
ated Agreement, or the possible best outcome “along a particular path if I try to get
my interests satisfied in a way that does not require negotiation with the other party”
[7]. This conception is abstract as it is useful for any dispute, and it is constructive for
parties once, at least, it contributes to the acknowledgement that an agreement may
be disadvantageous [8]. A similar hypothesis is the Worst Alternative To a Negotiated
Agreement (WATNA) [9]. A WATNA intends to estimate the worst possible
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