Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com) [LWN.net]

Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com)

Posted Sep 27, 2006 16:17 UTC (Wed) by pizza (subscriber, #46)
In reply to: Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com) by NedLudd
Parent article: Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com)

Legalese is sort of a programming language that uses english syntax.

It's not that it takes a lawyer to understand it, but it takes a fair amount of training to properly learn to say exactly what you mean, understand exactly what is said, and eliminate all ambiguities and thus potential misunderstandings.

Legalese attempts to eliminate all ambiguities in a document; it uses well-defined terms that do not change in meaning, much like a programming language. It uses also tends to use formal logic, much like programming languages.

Heh. Legalese just pre-initialize english variables. :)

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Why Compiled Legalese is Hard to Understand

Posted Sep 27, 2006 16:54 UTC (Wed) by smoogen (subscriber, #97) [Link]

One of the big problems with the Legalese language is that it has many many overloaded operators. While a document has a large predefined "static" region, many of these static variables may become overloaded again by how they are associated with other static variables. This requires that the document has to use a multi-pass compiler/interpreter(eg lawyer) many of which have their own predefined localized definitions. You will need to shop around for a lawyer that meets your needs.

Due to the fact that you can get multiple different executables from legalize depending on where it is compiled (state, county, municipality, region, territory, etc), what is compiling it, and what versions of the legalize pre-pre-definitions they are going to use. THis then requires the OS (eg society) to have post compile Validation programs (aka judges) that will make a ruling of whether the compiled version you were going to run is actually valid. You of course can call an exception to this Validation program and get another program to confirm or deny if your executable is valid. Eventually the OS's Master Validation program (Supreme Court) may have to rule on which Validation program was correct if any.

After you have a Valid Legalese program, you will find that its version is only valid on that OS until a system patch breaks it causing it to be revalidated, or that moving it to another CPU running the same OS may cause the entire cycle to be restarted.

None of this is to be interpreted that I am for changing the current system with its multiple checks and balances. The fact is that each OS is running over a very large cluster with multiple CPU's that each have their own hardware layout and do not work well with one another at all times.