Solving the problems of finding law on the web:  World Law and DIAL

International indexing partnerships

A necessary element - International indexing partnerships

  • The problem is only partly technical
  • The task is too big for any one organisation to undertake alone
  • Expert contributors are sought, not just volunteers
  • Compare Open Directory Project>> Law
  • 75% law firms and products
  • Regional, national, language  and  subject experts are needed
  • Some indexing contributors also provide funds, some only expertise

    • Examples of contributors to World Law

  • Elections law - Elections Canada
  • Korean law - Seoul National University College of Law
  • Treaties - Australia's  Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Polish law -  Alice Hryniewicka, an individual contributor
  • Industrial law (Australia) - Australian Business (employer group)
  • New Zealand law - Universtiy of Otago Law Faculty
  • Indigenous peoples - Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation

    • Advantages to contributors

  • Appropriate recognition for contributions
  • No need to maintain own indexing software
  • AustLII's indexers and other contributors also pool content
  • Cooperation in obtaining funding for contributors' indexing