Reasoning with principles

The issue of classification of legal norms is much debated in legal theory. One of the most recurring topics in this area is the distinction between two types of legal norms: rules and principles. The papers presents a formal model of principle-based reasoning. The model presented in the paper provides formal grounds for decision making including principles. The model is based on the goal- and value-based reasoning mechanism, which introduces a framework allowing for autonomous goal-setting based on values that should be promoted.