Course Overview

Computational Law (aka Complaw) is the branch of Legal Informatics concerned with the mechanization of legal reasoning. From a pragmatic point of view, it is important as the basis for computer systems capable of performing useful legal calculations - such as compliance checking, legal planning, and regulatory analysis.

Computational Law has the potential to change our legal system in significant ways. It can improve the services provided by lawyers. It can help lawmakers and regulators craft better rules and regulations. More broadly, it can bring legal tools to everyone in society, not just legal professionals, thereby increasing compliance and enhancing access to justice.

This course is an introduction to Computational Law. We begin with an overview of the underlying theory and current technology. We then turn to guest speakers to learn about various popular applications. Finally, we conclude with some presentations on related philosophical and legal issues.

The course is open to both law students and technologists. Law students will gain an understanding of the challenges involved in seeing legal analysis through the lens of technology. Technologists will gain an understanding of the complexities of the legal system and the many opportunities that arise from Computational Law.