Overview

Key themes in this course include: • The intersections between law and technology and how these intersections are regulated • An introduction to examples of 'Law Tech' used by law firms including (for example); document automation, legal diagnostics and legislative analysis tools • Algorithms and algorithmic decision-making in the legal system • The basic functions of online case management systems • An appreciation of the online courts transformation programme • An introduction to visualisation and legal analysis • Technology and legal research • Ethics at the intersection of law and technology

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%) An answer which, while predominantly correct in its presentation of material, contains a significant level of error and is therefore not entirely reliable. -good -B- to B+ (60-69%) High Standard: A comprehensive answer, containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in an argument which, while clear, logical and critical, leaves room for improvement in its construction and presentation. An answer which shows complete competence in the subject. -excellent -A- to A* (70+%) An outstanding answer containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in a clear, logical, critical argument with little room for improvement. An answer which demonstrates a complete mastery of the subject. -another level-C- to C+ (50-59%) An answer which, while always in the main accurate and correct, fails to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material and is lacking in criticism. An answer which while reliable with regard to correctness is either not comprehensive or not entirely pertinent.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate and contrast some of the roles algorithms and algorithmic decision-making play in the legal system and the challenges such decision-making can present to transparency and access to justice

• Critically evaluate some of the intersections between law and technology and how these intersections are regulated, and provide examples of the ethical challenges caused by the intersection of law and technology and how these challenges might be addressed

• Critically evaluate the key stages in development and delivery of the online courts transformation programme in the United Kingdom in comparative perspective with at least one other legal jurisdiction

• Critically evaluate the roles electronic visualisation might play in relation to law drawing on at least two practical examples

• Demonstrate the use of technology in conducting legal research

• Identify and critically evaluate the functions of key examples of legal technology (or 'Law Tech') used by law firms (including, for example, document automation, legal diagnostics and legislative analysis tools)

• Identify and explain both the basic and advanced functions of an online case management system