# CircuLaw

> knowledge platform dedicated to enabling the transition to a circular economy

**Wikidata**: [Q120232836](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q120232836)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/circulaw

## Summary
CircuLaw is a knowledge platform and software instance dedicated to enabling the transition to a circular economy. It functions as a non-tangible executable tool that utilizes legislation and knowledge bases to further sustainability goals. The platform is a collaborative effort, notably contributed to by the city of Amsterdam, and is accessible to the public in both Dutch and English.

## Key Facts
- **Primary Goal:** Dedicated to enabling the transition to a circular economy.
- **Entity Type:** Classified as software (a non-tangible executable component of a computer) and a knowledge platform.
- **Core Function:** Utilizes legislation and knowledge bases as its primary tools.
- **License:** Distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.
- **Websites:**
  - Dutch: https://circulaw.nl
  - English: https://www.circulaw.nl/en
- **Source Code:** Hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/Dark-Matter-Labs/circulaw.
- **Key Contributor:** Amsterdam (verified by CircuLaw "Wie maken CircuLaw" page).
- **Social Media:** LinkedIn ID "circulaw".

## FAQs
**What is the primary objective of CircuLaw?**
CircuLaw aims to enable the transition to a circular economy by functioning as a specialized knowledge platform.

**Is CircuLaw proprietary or open-source?**
While the platform is copyrighted, it is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, and its source code is publicly available on GitHub.

**Who contributes to CircuLaw?**
The entity is known to be a contributor to the creative work or subject, with the city of Amsterdam explicitly listed as a participant.

**In what languages is CircuLaw available?**
The platform offers a primary website in Dutch and a specific version for English speakers.

## Why It Matters
CircuLaw represents a targeted application of software technology to address global sustainability challenges. By structuring legal and regulatory information (legislation) within a knowledge base framework, it lowers the barrier to understanding complex environmental regulations. This facilitates the adoption of circular economy principles by making critical legal data accessible and executable within a digital context.

As an instance of software, it demonstrates how non-tangible creative works can serve as practical means for social and environmental improvement. Its development by contributors such as Amsterdam and Dark Matter Labs highlights a collaborative approach to civic technology, offering a model for how cities and developers can partner to build open-source tools (GNU GPL v3.0) for public benefit.

## Notable For
- **Circular Economy Focus:** Distinctly dedicated to the transition toward circular economic models.
- **Legal-Tech Integration:** Uniquely combines the use of legislation with a general knowledge base structure.
- **Open Source Accessibility:** Notable for making its source code available under a GNU GPL v3.0 license while maintaining copyright.
- **Municipal Collaboration:** Distinguished by its direct contribution link to the municipality of Amsterdam.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
CircuLaw is formally defined as a knowledge platform and an instance of software. As software, it belongs to the class of non-tangible executable components of a computer system. It functions as a creative work and a written work, serving as a means for users to interact with data and perform logical operations. In the context of library and academic standards, it falls under the Dewey Decimal Classification codes 005 and 005.3.

### Mission and Utility
The platform's core mission is defined by its goal to enable the transition to a circular economy. To achieve this, CircuLaw utilizes specific types of content:
- **Legislation:** Serving as a primary data source or tool within the platform.
- **Knowledge Base:** Functioning as the structural method for organizing and presenting information.

### Technical Infrastructure
The technical existence of CircuLaw is defined by its digital presence and distribution:
- **Web Presence:** The platform is hosted at `circulaw.nl` (Dutch) and `www.circulaw.nl/en` (English).
- **Repository:** The source code is maintained in a repository at `https://github.com/Dark-Matter-Labs/circulaw`.
- **Licensing:** It is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, ensuring it remains free and open-source software.
- **Copyright:** Despite its open license, the work retains its status as a copyrighted entity.

### Contributors and Community
CircuLaw is a collaborative project with verified associations. The city of **Amsterdam** is listed as a contributor to the creative work or subject, a fact confirmed by the platform's own "Wie maken CircuLaw" (Who makes CircuLaw) page. The project maintains a professional presence via the LinkedIn ID `circulaw`. The repository URL suggests a development connection with **Dark Matter Labs**.

## References

1. [CircuLaw - Over CircuLaw - Wie maken CircuLaw?](https://www.circulaw.nl/about/Wie-maken-CircuLaw)