76106 Technology Law, Policy and Ethics (Capstone 1)
6cpRequisite(s): ((120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10124 Bachelor of Laws AND 108 credit points of completed study in spk(s): STM90832 LLB Core Subjects) OR 108 credit points of completed study in spk(s): STM90691 144cp Law Stream )
Description
This subject explores the policy and ethical issues that arise in light of the impact that technology is having on the world and the role of lawyers in shaping policy and protecting vulnerable populations. Lawyers need to be adaptive and technically capable. This subject explores the ethical and policy issues arising from these new threats to our freedoms, privacy, and security, caused by innovative technologies; as well as possible uses of new technology to find solutions to some of the world's wicked problems.
This subject engages with changes and challenges as a result of technological developments that could be addressed by the law including:
- the automation of legal and discovery processes, which erodes the possibility for human review and oversight
- social media, online payments, and big data enable governments and private organisations to monitor our moves and listen to our conversations
- changes to the nature of transactions and ways of conducting business including less cash, digital signatures, and decentralised peer-to-peer economies create challenges and opportunities for regulators and governments to ensure compliance with 'know your customer' and 'anti-money laundering' legislation along with principles of good governance.
Additionally, technology offers an opportunity to resolve some of the United Nations' problems in achieving its 22 Sustainable Development Goals.
Detailed subject description.