Fundamentals of Law and TechnologyLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

The primary objective of the module is to help the student understand and discuss the fundamental aspects of the relationship between law and technology.

The secondary objective is to facilitate learning in the specific courses belonging to the Law and Technology Program.

Content

The module encompasses the following topics:

- the concepts of regulation, law, and legislation
- the concepts of rules, standards, and principles
- the concept of technology: social construction and change (sociotechnical change)
- the distinctiveness and interdependency (co-dependency) of law and technology: technological and legal determinism, instrumentalism, and normativity
- regulation/governance of technologies (regulatory theory): typical legal issues created by technology and possible legal and other approaches to the issues, and
- the role of values in law and technology.

The topics are discussed from a general and critical perspective that is not bound to any single field of law nor the particularities of legal doctrine. Examples are provided from a wide range of phenomena, such as transportation, weapons, information and communications technology (ICT), and biotechnology. Technology is thus viewed as something not limited to ICT. This broad perspective also allows the students to discuss a wide range of topics in their essay.

The module is listed as an LLM level course, but it is also recommended for students at the LLB level who are interested in law and technology.

Qualifications

None. Studying the Introduction to Legal Informatics and other modules belonging to the Law and Tech package supports the learning objectives of the course.

Materials

The learning material will be available as follows:

- The online lectures are watchable on Moodle as premade videos.
- The workbook will be provided on Moodle.
- The Moodle workspace contains information on how to acquire sources for the essay. Ultimately, the student is her or himself in charge of acquiring the sources.
- The instructions for the essay will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Further information

Semester/timing: every fall in September - October.

The Moodle enrollment key will be provided via email when the participants are confirmed. The student must ensure that the EMAIL ADDRESS they have provided on Peppi/Oodi is valid.

The evaluation is primarily based on the essay, but the other items are considered also.

The module is part of the Law and Tech Package.