Module Overview

The emergence of new technologies has transformed legal systems, the legal professions and the services they deliver, and how justice is done both in Ireland and further afield. Moreover, law-makers and regulators have had to react to the emergence of new technologies in a variety of contexts that profoundly affect society.

This module addresses two broad themes: it addresses the latest developments in ‘LawTech’ (technologies that assist, improve or replace the delivery of legal services) and its implications, and how the legal landscape has been changed by emerging technologies in society.

The first half of the module will examine LawTech innovations and legal technology tools in the delivery of legal services, courts systems and the justice system. This includes online courts, the employment of artificial intelligence (and related technologies such as natural language processing and predictive analytics) by the legal professions, courts and other adjudication fora, and in crime prevention and investigation. Students will be introduced to apps and other digital tools in dispute resolution and transactional law contexts.

The second half of the module will consider law’s response to emerging technologies. This half will examine the profound changes to the legal landscape as a consequence of new technologies in different contexts, including legislation and regulation of areas such as new media, cybercrime (to include organised crime, crimes against states and organisations, as well as crimes against persons including image-based sexual abuse, crimes involving deepfake technology and personal fraud), e-commerce, consumer protection, Fintech, intellectual property, data protection and privacy, healthcare, transport, and the use of technologies by states and their consequences for human rights.

Upon completion of this module, students will have acquired the knowledge to examine and critically evaluate these developments and to consider their consequences for legal systems and society. Students will also acquire basic skills in using legal technologies and an understanding of how they work, better preparing them for careers as innovative, technologically-minded legal professionals.