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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Information Technology Law |
| Unit code |
LAWD30003 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
H/6
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
|
| Unit director |
Professor. Charlesworth |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
University of Bristol Law School |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit will critically examine the legal and regulatory challenges raised by information and communications technologies, such as cloud computing, social media, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. It will start by analysing the main theoretical debates about cyberspace regulation. It will then move on to consider to what extent law has successfully responded to the challenges raised by the Digital Age by considering topics, such as data privacy, intellectual property, cyber-crime, State surveillance and freedom of expression.
This unit will engage with the laws of England & Wales. Given the global nature of the Internet, this unit will also often engage with the laws of other jurisdictions including Europe and America. Consequently, students may often have to engage with legal and academic materials from multiple jurisdictions.
This unit does not require an in-depth understanding of contemporary information and communications technologies. It is primarily focused on the legal and regulatory implications of digital technologies and platforms as well as the intended and unintended consequences of regulating digital ecosystems.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of the unit, a successful student will be able to explain:
- The complex body of laws which apply to innovative and emerging information and communications technologies;
- The main theoretical debates about cyberspace regulation;
- The role of law in regulating innovative digital ecosystems.
Students should also be able to:
- State the law accurately;
- Critically assess both theories and the law; and discuss potential solutions to the legal and regulatory issues raised by the Digital Age including the usefulness or otherwise of law reform.
This unit is also intended to improve skills relating to research – in particular, the ability to research legal issues and areas of law.
Teaching Information
Teaching will be delivered through a variety of asynchronous and synchronous activities
Assessment Information
1 x summative assessment: coursework with a specified word count (100%)
The assessment will assess all of the intended learning outcomes for this unit.
Reading and References
- Diane Rowland, Uta Kohl and Andrew Charlesworth, Information Technology Law (5th edn, Routledge 2016)
- Andrew Murray, Information Technology Law: The Law and Society (4th edn, Oxford University Press 2019)
- Julie Cohen, Configuring The Networked Self: Law, Code, and the Play of Everyday Practice (Yale University Press 2012)
- Helen Nissenbaum, Privacy In Context: Technology, Policy, and the Integrity of Social Life (Stanford University Press 2009)
- Chris Reed, Making Laws for Cyberspace (Oxford University Press 2012)
