This idea is supplemented by the notion of rule applicability. The applicability of a rule means that its condition actually becomes a reason for its conclusion. By using this notion the condition of a rule is a reason for the rule's conclusion if and only if it is satisfied. There can be reasons that make the rule applicable, even though its condition is not satisfied, or inapplicable, even though its condition is satisfied.
This results in a formal framework called Reason Based Logic. Several examples show how the ideas can be applied in the field of law.
Reference:
Verheij, H. B. (1994). Reason Based Logic and legal knowledge representation.
Proceedings of the Fourth National Conference on Law, Computers and
Artificial Intelligence (eds. I. Carr and A. Narayanan), pp. 154-165.
University of Exeter. Also published as report SKBS/B3.A/94-05.