Law and Digital Technologies, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

After the completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• critically and independently analyze legal issues under EU law, international law, and human rights law in relation to digitalization, the Internet, new media, social media, disruptive technologies, such artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous system,
• identify legal issues and identify and apply law to the legal issues.

Content

The aim of the course is to analyze and discuss certain legal aspects of digitalization, in relation to EU law, international law as well as human rights. The course focuses on the relationship between law and technology. The topics examined in the course are digital transformation, the disruptive role of technology, the challenges and opportunities of new media in relation to international law and EU law. Further topics analyzed in the course are digital technology, AI and autonomous systems, how these technologies impact law, as well as how digital environment offers opportunities to facilitate the interactions of citizens, businesses, and non-governmental organizations with public administrations. The course also addresses data protection regulations, in particular in EU law, and the legal frameworks regulating access to the Internet, especially the measures safeguarding an equal and non-discriminatory provision of services, and end users’ rights. Within the context of human rights, the course focuses particularly on the protection of freedom of expression and protection of privacy in the new digital age.

Examinations and grades

Law and Digital Technologies, 9 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Legal Analysis and Oral Communication, 6 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

In order to obtain a final course grade on the entire course, the minimum grade required is Sufficient (E) on Law and Digital Technologies (A003) and Sufficient (E) on Legal Analysis and Oral Communication (A004).

The final course grade on the entire course will be a weighted average of the grade on Law and Digital Technologies (A003) and the grade on Legal Analysis and Oral Communication (A004).

Modes of assessment

Law and Digital Technologies, 9 credits (Code: A003)
Written examination.

Legal Analysis and Oral Communication, 6 credits (Code: A004)
Written paper and oral presentation.
If a student does not achieve an approved grade on a written assignment, but with a limited effort is deemed to be able to reach it, the student may complete the written assignment in accordance with the examiner’s instructions. The supplement shall be completed within five working days from the time the student is assigned the instructions.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

Basic Course in Law, 30 ECTS credits, and Intermediate Course in Law, 30 ECTS credits (for exchange students).

Introduction to Legal Thinking 30 ECTS credits, Introduction to digitalisation and legal tech 7.5 ECTS credits, 1.5 ECTS credits from Comparative Constitutional Law, 7.5 Credits, EU Law 15 ECTS credits, and 10 ECTS credits from Public International Law, 15 ECTS credits. Alternative, Introduction to Legal Thinking 30 ECTS credits, Introduction to digitalisation and legal tech 7.5 ECTS credits, EU Law 15 ECTS credits, and 10 ECTS credits from Human Rights, 24 ECTS credits (for programme students only).

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is taught in English.

Examinations consisting of group assignments where the student does not attend or fails, may be re-examined if the circumstances allow it. If not, the student is referred to the next time the course is given.

The teaching is campus-based, but some sessions of lectures and/or seminars may be given online.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required reading

Hörnle, Julia
Internet Jurisdiction Law and Practice
Oxford University Press, 544 Pages

Jougleux, P., Markou, C., & Prastitou T. (Eds.)
EU Internet Law in the Digital Era Regulation and Enforcement
Springer

Yeung, Karen and Martin Lodge, (Eds.)
Algorithmic Regulation
Oxford University Press, 294 Pages

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Always the latest edition of the books on the reading list is used.

Additional materials of approximately 300 pages, such as articles and case-law, are also part of the required reading.

Some of the literature may be available online and as E-book.