Requisites: Pre-requisite: [Module LAW07110] Obligations 1

The purpose of this module is to enable you to acquire knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and relevance of law and information technology and to critically analyse and evaluate the implications of information technology and media on society and legal practice. You will also have the opportunity to develop your digital skills and gain an understanding of their importance to your career development. The module will focus on three main themes: information technology law, the impact of law on society, and the use of technology in the legal profession. Within these three areas there a number of topics will be covered. An indicative list of topics follows; however, given the nature of the topic of the module will be expected to respond to change and adapt over time. The first theme, information technology law, includes the rules around liability of internet intermediaries; platform regulation through statutes like the Online Safety Act 2023; and the regulatory regime around data protection through the UK's implementation of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Additional topics may include the legal treatment of blockchain, smart contracts, cybercrime, and cyber security. The second theme is concerned with the impact of law and information technology on society. Topics may include issues around artificial intelligence, the future of work, and the environment; the impacts of social media on children and adults; and freedom of expression issues related to attempts to regulate social media platforms. The third theme considers the interaction between information technology and legal practice. Topics may include the ethical use of artificial intelligence in law firms and courts; the impacts of technology on access to justice; and the importance of digital skills in the modern legal workplace.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main areas of law and legal practice concerned with, influenced or affected by information technology.

LO2: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different approaches taken by relevant international conventions (and where applicable EU) regulations, directives, UK statutes and UK (and where applicable EU) case law on the regulation of information technology to society generally and its impact on legal practice.

LO3: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legal implications of information technology and media such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and other technologies that affect society and in turn legal practice.

LO4: Critically analyse and evaluate the way information technology relates to broader paradigms of the rule of law and access to justice, as well as the practical and ethical requirements of legal practice.

LO5: Conduct independent research that demonstrates an understanding of principles, policy and substantive law and communicate this understanding in writing and orally.

LO6: Demonstrate digital skills and understand their practical importance to your career development.