Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a catalyst for social, economic, scientific, political and legal change in our time. AI powers machine learning, natural language processing, sentiment analysis and complex autonomous systems operating in different domains. Each of these has ramifications for the law and society. The use of algorithmic decision-making and predictive coding by government and in the courts are cause for concern. Future lawyers and other professionals will need to understand the benefits and risks associated with the use of different types of AI in all aspects of social interaction, governance, compliance, risk analysis and business opportunities. The role of AI in social relationships of trust has been explored in science fiction and popular media. Its impact on the markets, elections, global health trends and human relationships is not to be underestimated. Artificial Intelligence, Law, & Society (AILS) is an interdisciplinary module that explores these questions and helps students understand the societal impact of ubiquitous AI, robotics, and automation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Examine the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of artificial intelligence and its role as a primary catalyst of social, economic, scientific, political and legal change in the 21st century.
2. Evaluate the use of proprietary algorithmic systems to automate legal processes and decision-making in private and public sector contexts.
3. Critically analyse the ways that AI is shaping and changing life, work and leisure in the 21st century.
4. Plan and conduct a project to research and critically analyse the societal impact of AI and the role of law in mediating its potential harms, and actualising its benefits.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is directed by the convenor's expertise in the challenges posed by AI. In addition to the convenor, there will be guest speakers with well-recognised research expertise invited to speak to the class.

Required Resources

A reading list will be provided through Leganto (a link is available on the Wattle site).

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments on the research proposal, or in quiz auto-feedback
• feedback to the whole class and to individuals upon seeking an appointment

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/grading

Further information about the course: is available from the course Wattle page. Students are required to access the Wattle site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ANU Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

• The ANU College of Law Academic Integrity and Misconduct site provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to AI and regulation	In line with the University’s recording policy, lectures, seminars and lectorials will be recorded and made available for students on Echo360. However, lecture recordings are only an additional resource and they should not be taken as a substitute for regular online attendance. If a recording does fail, there is no guarantee a replacement recording will be provided.
2	AI, Privacy and Data Protection (1)
3	AI, Privacy and Data Protection (2)
4	Deep-dive: Ethical, legal and societal implications (ELSI) of Robotics
5	AI and human rights
6	Automated Decision-making in the Public Sector
7	Deep-dive: Generative AI and GovernanceLegal Subjectivity and AI
8	Deep-dive: Re-conception of AI and Regulatory Alternatives Prediction of Legal Decisions
9	Deep-dive: AI and Consumer ProtectionThe future of AI regulation

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials / seminars so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage(Hyperlink: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/timetabling)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Quiz	0 %	*	*	1,2
In-class Participation (Group Presentation)	15 %	*	*	1,2,3
Research Proposal	25 %	23/04/2024	14/05/2024	1,2,3,4
Research Essay	60 %	04/06/2024	26/06/2024	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

For all courses taught in any mode (whether face to face or online), the ANU College of Law considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the graduate program. Students are expected to attend all classes.

If circumstances arise which are beyond a student’s control and they are unable to attend a class, the student should contact the Course Convenor in advance (where possible), so that the convenor can adjust their expectations in relation to numbers for that class. If it is not possible to give advance notice, students should send the convenor an email as soon as possible with evidence to support the reason for failure to attend.

Examination(s)

There is no final examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Quiz

Details of Task: The quiz will consist of 15 multiple choice questions to be answered online.

Nature of Task: Optional. This assessment task is designed to give students an opportunity to receive feedback on their progress in the course.

Weighting: 0%

Release: 9am, Thursday 28 March 2024 via Wattle.

Duration: Once you log into the quiz, you will have 60 minutes to complete it. The quiz will finish automatically after 60 minutes and any open attempts will automatically close and be submitted, so please allow sufficient time to complete the quiz.

Due Date: The optional online quiz will remain open for attempts throughout the course teaching period.

As this quiz is open for more than 24 hours, no time adjustments or extensions shall be applied for this task.

Estimated Return Date: Results are available immediately upon completion of quiz.

Assessment Criteria: The mark for the quiz will be based on the number of correct responses.

Assessment Task 2

In-class Participation (Group Presentation)

Details of Task: Each student will prepare and take part in a group presentation in accordance with the class roster, available from Week 1 of the semester. Students will present in groups, but each will be given an individual grade. Each group will discuss ONE topical issue relating to the compulsory readings in the week in which it presents. Students will need to nominate their weeks for presentation by 22 March 2024.

Groups will be allocated within the seminar of Week 2, and group presentations start from Week 3. The number of presentations each week will depend on the enrolment number for the course. Please note that the group presentation will be recorded during the Seminar.

Nature of Task: A non-attempt will result in a grade of zero for this assessment task. Each student must complete one presentation/discussion starter, but it is not necessary to pass the task to pass the course.

Weighting: 15%

Release: Ongoing.

Due Date: In the assigned week. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Estimated Return Date: Within 30 days of the group’s presentation.

Assessment Criteria: Participation will be graded according to the following criteria: 

• understanding and discussion of relevant issues;

• critical thinking;

• effective communication and delivery;

• promotion of audience discussion; and

• ability to work as group to make cohesive presentation.

Assessment Task 3

Research Proposal

Details of Task: The research proposal will require students to conduct independent research that investigates a theme, issue, or policy underlying the impact of Artificial Intelligence on law and society. Original research will be required.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to participate will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 25%

Release: 26 March 2024 (Tuesday)

Word Limit: 1,300 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirement: Assessment must be submitted in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files are not acceptable. Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. If you have used an AI tool or technology, such as ChatGPT and Google AI, to generate an output which you either paraphrase or directly quote in your writing, you must acknowledge it and cite and reference this output as a source.

Topic of Research proposal: Students have two options for the research proposal topic:

• They may choose from a list of topics that will be made available by the second class on Wattle; or,
• Students who wish to work on any other topic outside this list must consult the course convener by email or by appointment and finalise their topic on or before 4pm, Thursday 28 March 2024. Students cannot work on any topic for their final research essay without the express permission of the convenor.

Due Date: 23 April 2024 (Tuesday), 4pm via Turnitin. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, although late penalties will apply.

Estimated Return Date: 14 May 2024 (Tuesday)

Assessment Criteria: A rubric and instructions will be provided for this assessment task on Wattle. 

Assessment Task 4

Research Essay

Details of Task: The research essay will require students to conduct independent research that investigates a theme, issue, or policy underlying the impact of Artificial Intelligence on law and society. Original research will be required.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 60%

Release: 26 March 2024 (Tuesday)

Word Limit: 4,000 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirement: Assessment must be submitted in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files are not acceptable. Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. If you have used an AI tool or technology, such as ChatGPT and Google AI, to generate an output which you either paraphrase or directly quote in your writing, you must acknowledge it and cite and reference this output as a source.

Topic of Essay: Students must use the topic of their research proposal for the essay.

Due Date: 4 June 2024 (Tuesday), 4 pm via Turnitin. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, although late penalties will apply. 

Estimated Return Date: 26 June 2024 (Wednesday).

Assessment Criteria: A rubric and instructions will be provided for this assessment task on Wattle.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
• Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.  

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students