LAW 1098: Artificial Intelligence Law
Summer 2024 • Section 21

Course Description

AI attempts to replicate human intelligence in a machine so the machine can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Based on the capacity to mimic human characteristics, the technology used, the real-world applications, and the theory of the mind, AI is focused into goal-oriented abilities designed to perform specific tasks, or AI abilities that are in parity with human abilities, or AI abilities that are more capable than a human. Lawyers are presented with issues related to: autonomous vehicles; medical devices (e.g., microchip implants in humans, ingestible pills), medical diagnosis, and health/medical care; reducing energy use; improving cybersecurity; new methods of climate and environmental protection; a safer society; “deep fakes” used to spread disinformation; bias in AI analysis and its impacts on marginalized groups (e.g., employment, setting bail, and criminal sentencing); AI and IP (AI as inventor or author, and IP protection for AI); AI and social media, especially with respect to data mining and privacy concerns; AI in law practice and law firm management; implications of AI for employment; AI and legal decision-making for claims for benefits such as social security disability or workers compensation; and AI affecting finance, transportation, national security, advertising, and a variety of other fields. The governance of AI is aimed at ensuring AI’s numerous potential benefits while minimizing risks to consumers’ health, safety, security, and privacy is only beginning. Lawyers, policymakers, and risk management professionals must address governance issues with respect to development, deployment and use of AI applications.

Book List/Materials