Rethinking Legislative Drafting in the Digital Age: An Evaluation of Xcential's LegisWeb
About the Xcential Legislative Technologies | Written on September, 2023
Introduction
In an era where data reigns supreme, the legislative processes employed by governments around the world are undergoing a seismic shift. Xcential Legislative Technologies aims to be at the forefront of this transition, offering innovative solutions aimed at modernising the manner in which laws are drafted and amended. This essay critically examines Xcential's LegisWeb, focusing on its capabilities, potential impact, and limitations.
Data-First Approach
Xcential's core philosophy revolves around treating legislative documents as data rather than mere text. This is underpinned by their use of open data standards, specifically the Akoma Ntoso XML standard. By doing so, they claim to be enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of the law-making process. The use of XML not only provides a structured format for drafting but also facilitates the automation of numerous tasks, thereby increasing efficiency. However, while XML offers robustness in structure and data integrity, its complexity can be a barrier for legal professionals accustomed to word processors.
Customisation and Flexibility
One of the most striking features of LegisWeb is its adaptability. Xcential has made it possible to customise the XML editor according to local rules and requirements, which often vary from one jurisdiction to another. While this customisation feature adds a layer of complexity to the implementation process, it is crucial for ensuring that the tool is aligned with the specific needs and existing workflows of various legislative bodies.
Addressing the 'Word Problem'
Xcential is acutely aware of what they term the 'Word Problem', referring to the limitations of traditional word processors like Microsoft Word. While these processors are user-friendly and widely adopted, they often encapsulate data in a format designed for visual rendering rather than for meaningful data extraction. By offering a solution that shifts the focus from appearance to data, LegisWeb challenges the status quo and provides an avenue for more transformative digitisation of legislative processes.
Scalability and Accessibility
Recognising that the needs of legislative bodies vary in scale, Xcential has developed versions of LegisWeb that cater to both large national governments and smaller local governments. Their Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model for smaller governments is particularly noteworthy. It promises quick and efficient deployment, thereby reducing both time and financial investment. However, the question remains as to whether smaller jurisdictions with limited technical know-how can easily adapt to this system.
Automation and Future Applications
LegisWeb’s native XML engine allows the automatic encoding of XML as the drafter works, opening up opportunities for further automation and the development of additional applications centred around this core structured data. This is not merely a shift in technology but a shift in thinking—focusing on structured data enables opportunities for machine learning applications, semantic searching, and integration with other data sets, offering a more dynamic and interactive legislative process.
Conclusion
Xcential's LegisWeb presents a compelling case for the digitisation of legislative drafting. By treating documents as structured data and offering robust customisation features, it has the potential to revolutionise law-making processes. However, the transition to this digital-first approach is not without its challenges, including the steep learning curve associated with XML and the need for legislative bodies to adapt to new workflows. While LegisWeb offers a promising solution, its true impact will be determined by its adaptability and the willingness of legislative bodies to embrace this data-driven future.