LW7149 - Artificial Intelligence and the Law

This module is offered on both the full-time and the part-time, distance-learning delivery model. The module will utilise lectures and workshops to initiate your practical thinking on the content areas mentioned above. The lectures will cover the basic legal and conceptual frameworks of the topics outlined above. Seminars will provide an opportunity to discuss the law in the context of the contemporary themes in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and the law. These sessions will, thereby, consolidate your understanding and emphasising the implications of the law. You will be assessed by way of a written piece of coursework based on a case study or contemporary issue, which will take place in the Semester 2 assessment period. If you are studying in part-time, distance-learning, you will be offered the opportunity to take part in virtual, synchronous workshops and all supporting materials will be made available for you.

The members of staff who teach on this module have significant research experience in this area. As such, they will provide academic support and stimulate your thinking around this subject. All lectures will be recorded and made available to students to aid in learning and understanding. You will be encouraged to use this resource to develop your appreciation of the interrelated nature of the disparate areas of law studied as part of the module. If you are studying this module as part of a blended delivery model, you will receive augmented online support from the module tutor.

The module will make use of the eLearning Portal where lecture materials, podcasts, recordings, and other learning support materials will be made available. The module site will also direct you to supplementary resources which you are encouraged to explore in addition to the material covered in lectures and workshops. At programme level you will be supported by the Programme Leader and personal tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support throughout the module and the programme. If you are studying this module as a part-time, distance-learning student, you will also receive augmented online support from the module tutor

The module will make use of an online reading list. The reading list will provide you with links to key texts and information on their availability in the university library.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will be able to display and critically apply expert legal knowledge within the field of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

2. You will be able to analyse and communicate complex legal and policy issues relating to Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

3. You will be able to critically evaluate source material, suggest alternative approaches to the law relating to the application of Artificial Intelligence and robotic solutions in practice and reflect on the application of your knowledge and that of others within practical contexts.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. You will take responsibility for your own independent learning in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working independently to further enhance existing skills and develop new skills to a high level.

Formative assessment will be achieved by self-test questions in module materials, group discussion, informal peer assessment and assessed and non-assessed exercises. Individual and group feedback will be given to students in the small group sessions on their performance after the submission of practice assignments and/or workshop tasks.

The module is summatively assessed by 100% coursework with a maximum word limit of 3,000 words. The assessment will take the form of a problem-based scenario which will be designed to facilitate examination of specific aspects of relevant law and related legal research and may include discussion of recent developments, where appropriate assessment criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected of you and how you will be judged on your performance.

You will be provided with appropriate written or oral feedback (as appropriate), and, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be utilised in the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme.

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In this module you will learn to critically assess the development of the law relating to the operation of algorithmic systems. As these systems become more ubiquitous and affordable, legal frameworks which are used to dealing with decision-making, will come under increasing scrutiny as centralised and automated decision-making will keep making inroads into individualised decisions from fact-finders on the ground. You will study e.g. the way in which technology is challenging traditional concepts and principles in law. The legal dimensions of algorithms within everyday life will be assessed alongside the broader ethical and legal dimensions of the rise in use of Artificial Intelligence. The module will also examine the rise of algorithmic systems in policing, e.g. automated facial recognition. The module builds on the research interests of the tutors involved in this module and will provide a unique insight into an emerging and evolving area of legal inquiry.