Conflict Resolution Between Laws

The Problem

In a system where laws are adopted continuously by different groups of citizens, situations inevitably arise where two laws define the same entities with different values. For example:

• An existing law sets an import duty on imported goods at 50%
• A new law proposes an import duty of 10%

Such a conflict must be detected and resolved before the new law takes effect.

Principle

Two different laws cannot define the same entities without specifying priority. If a conflict is detected, it must be resolved through one of the established methods.

Automatic Conflict Detection

The system automatically analyzes each proposal and existing law for conflicts:

• At the publication stage — the automated system informs the author about potential conflicts (advisory; does not block publication)
• At the support-gathering stage — conflict information is published alongside the proposal so citizens can consider the context
• Upon adoption — the law cannot take effect with unresolved conflicts

Important

Conflicts do not block publication and voting — they only block taking effect. This gives the community time for discussion and choosing a resolution method during collaborative work on the law.

Resolution Methods

When a conflict is detected, the author and community must choose one of the following paths:

1. Amendment to the Existing Law

Make changes to the existing law on the conflicting point.

Mechanics:

• Submitted as a separate amendment proposal referencing the existing law
• Goes through the standard procedure: publication → collaborative work → gathering support → voting
• Both proposals (the new law and the amendment to the old one) can be voted on in parallel
• The new law takes effect only after the amendment to the old law is adopted

Example: A new law proposes a 10% duty. In parallel, an amendment to the old law is submitted, removing the 50% duty provision. Both are voted on. If both are adopted — the conflict is resolved.

2. Repeal of the Old Law

Initiate complete repeal of the existing law.

Mechanics:

• A proposal for complete repeal of the old law is submitted
• Goes through the standard voting procedure
• The new law takes effect only after the old one is repealed

When appropriate: when the old law is completely outdated and the new law is its comprehensive replacement.

3. Removal of the Conflicting Provision

Remove the disputed provision from the new law.

Mechanics:

• The author or community submits an amendment to the new law, removing the conflicting provision
• The amendment goes through the standard collaborative process
• After removing the conflicting provision, the law can take effect

When appropriate: when the conflicting provision is not central to the new law.

4. Explicit Priority Declaration

If the laws are at different levels of the hierarchy, the conflict can be resolved by declaring priority.

Mechanics:

• The new law explicitly states that it takes priority over a specific provision of the old law
• Priority is determined according to the current hierarchy (see below)
• If the new law's priority is higher — the conflict is resolved automatically

Priority Hierarchy

Laws have priority levels depending on their scope:

Level	Priority	Example
Constitutional	Highest	Fundamental rights & freedoms
Federal	High	National laws
Regional	Medium	Regional/state laws
Municipal	Basic	Local ordinances

Priority rules:

• A higher-level law takes priority over a lower-level law
• Laws at the same level cannot conflict — the conflict must be resolved through one of the methods above
• The current priority hierarchy is itself subject to voting and can be changed through the standard procedure

Self-Modifiability

The rules of hierarchy and conflict resolution are initial parameters of the system. They can be reconsidered through the same continuous voting mechanism (see Conclusion).

Resolution Process

Conflict detected
       │
       ▼
┌──────────────────┐
│ Laws at different │──── Yes ──→ Priority by hierarchy
│ levels?           │
└──────────────────┘
       │ No
       ▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Choose resolution method:             │
│                                      │
│ 1. Amendment to existing law         │
│ 2. Repeal of old law                 │
│ 3. Remove provision from new law     │
└──────────────────────────────────────┘
       │
       ▼
   Voting on chosen method
       │
       ▼
   Conflict resolved → New law takes effect

What If the Conflict Is Not Resolved

If the community cannot reach a decision on the resolution method:

• The new law remains under vote but does not take effect
• Citizens continue to discuss and propose amendments
• There is no time limit — the conflict is resolved when society is ready
• The automated system continues to notify about the unresolved conflict

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