On 26th of June 2025 ALF coordinator Bojan Spaić presented a lecture titled “The Logic of Evidential Reasoning.” This lecture was part of the ALF Summer School of Logical Reasoning and Law organized by Lisbon Legal Theory of the Lisbon Public Law Research Center, an event that brings together scholars, practitioners, and students to explore the nuances of logical reasoning in legal contexts.
Evidential reasoning is a fundamental concept in both legal practice and philosophical inquiry. It pertains to the processes through which evidence is evaluated, interpreted, and applied to reach conclusions or make decisions. In law, a clear understanding of how evidence can substantiate claims or defenses is essential for justice and fairness. Spaić’s lecture aimed to demystify this process, inviting attendees to delve deeper into the underlying principles that govern evidential reasoning.
During the lecture, Spaić emphasized the critical role that logic plays in legal reasoning. He outlined the various types of logical frameworks that can be employed to analyze evidence, including deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, and abductive reasoning.
Spaić also shared practical insights on how these logical frameworks translate into real-world legal scenarios. He provided examples from recent cases, illuminating how judges and attorneys utilize evidential reasoning to craft arguments and make rulings. For instance, the weight given to certain types of evidence, such as eyewitness testimony versus forensic data, can drastically influence the outcome of a case.
