Technology, Artificial Intelligence and the Law

Module Identifier: LC22420
Module Title: Technology, Artificial Intelligence and the Law
Academic Year: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 2
Co-ordinator: Dr David Poyton
Reading List: View on Aspire
Pre-Requisite: CT10120 or CT10420 or LC10120 or LC10420
Other Staff: Dr Megan Talbot; Ms Caroline Whitby

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Class Tests (MCQ) in Seminars: 2 Hours Completion of MCQ questions in each seminar	50%
Semester Assessment	Essay: 2000 Words	50%
Supplementary Assessment	Essay: 2000 Words	50%
Supplementary Exam	Exam (MCQ): 2 Hours	50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Show a basic understanding of the role of law and regulation in relation to technological developments.
Demonstrate the ability to explain the potential for criminal activity created by technological developments and the legal responses
Explain the legal challenges presented by the 'Digital Economy'.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the notion of 'privacy' in the context of the online environment and the legal issues raised.
Be able to identify and discuss the legal implications of the use of artificial intelligence in a range of contexts.
Evaluate statutory and judicial responses to a range of technological developments.

Brief description

Technological developments have presented society with opportunities for advancement for generations. They also pose challenges and create risks. Over the past decade the pace and scale of change has accelerated beyond the expectations of many commentators. For regulators and legal practitioners the challenges are significant with developments in networks, AI and blockchain changing the face of business practice and social interaction.
In this module students will be introduced to some of the most contentious and contemporary areas of law and legal practice, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence and technology in the fields of crime, commerce, privacy and medicine.

Aims

This module aims to provide students with valuable insights into the impact of technology on our professional and personal lives, from a legal perspective. The module will require students to develop and apply a range of academic knowledge and skills, building upon previous areas of study and engaging new contemporary topics.

Content

- Introduction to technology, artificial intelligence and the law.
- Technology and crime.
- The Digital Economy.
- AI in action: autonomous vehicles, medical diagnosis and the legal Profession

20 lectures, 3 seminars, 3 workshops (all 1 hour sessions)

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Communication	Seminar discussions/activities develop individual and group presentation and oral argument (unassessed). Essay writing (assessed).
Improving own Learning and Performance	Seminar participation and exam preparation develop different aspects of academic research, from understanding and referencing sources through the dissemination of ideas to others orally (unassessed), and developing written communication skills (assessed).
Information Technology	Library and research skills are fundamental to preparation for seminars and assessed work.
Personal Development and Career planning	Generic and transferrable skills including, research, analysis and communication.
Problem solving	Seminar discussion/preparation and debate.
Research skills	Research and preparation for seminars (unassessed) and assessments (assessed).
Subject Specific Skills	Reading and understanding legal materials particular to Commercial Law.
Team work	Group activities and discussion.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5