The correct application of laws depends not only on their proper understanding but also on their accurate interpretation. Although legal interpretations are not binding, they are significant because they serve as guidance for practitioners. In this article, we will examine whether it is possible to interpret laws using advanced technological methods such as artificial intelligence (AI).

The interpretation of laws, which can briefly be defined as the activity carried out to determine the meaning and scope of legal rules, may be divided into two categories according to the purpose pursued. If the interpretation is made by investigating the purpose pursued by the legislator when exercising the legislative will, it is called classical interpretation; if it is made by considering the social purpose prevailing at the time of application, it is called modern interpretation. On the other hand, legal interpretation also differs according to the method used. Interpretation based on the meaning of the legal text in everyday language is called textual interpretation; interpretation made by researching the legislator’s intent is called historical interpretation; interpretation based on the conditions of the period in which the law was enacted is called purposive interpretation; and interpretation made by considering the entire body of law in which the provisions are contained is called systematic interpretation.

It appears that some of the interpretation techniques briefly mentioned above are more suitable for interpreting laws with the help of AI. For example, it may be considered that AI applications, which can analyze extensive texts through natural language processing technologies and thereby focus on the meanings of legal texts, may yield more successful results in the textual interpretation of laws. Furthermore, considering that AI applications make it possible to compare legal rules and analyze the relationships between them, it can be concluded that using the systematic interpretation method with their assistance would also be beneficial.

Conversely, it can be argued that the purposive interpretation method, which requires accurate and comprehensive analysis of historical data and thus depends on the human factor, and the historical interpretation method, where understanding the legislator’s true intent in establishing the rule remains more limited compared to human interpretation, would make the interpretation of laws with AI assistance more difficult.

Regardless of the method used, it is clear that artificial intelligence will bring a more objective perspective to legal interpretations, thereby adding depth to legal assessments concerning statutory provisions. In this way, it can be accepted that artificial intelligence will facilitate a better understanding of laws.