Computers & the Law (LAW-795CO-001)
Patrick Bateman, Brendan Sudol, Alan deLevie
Meets: 06:00 PM - 07:50 PM (We) - Warren - Room N100C
Enrolled: 24 / Limit: 30
Notices
There are no notices at this time.
Description
Computers and the Law prepares students to thrive in a legal environment that is increasingly affected by rapid changes brought on by technology. During this course, students will learn to code (no prior experience necessary) using the Python programming language, and will apply those skills towards scenarios which simulate real-world problems attorneys may face. In addition, each programming lesson will have accompanying policy and doctrinal readings covering a wide range of legal technology topics. The doctrinal learning will inform the coding, and the coding will inform the doctrinal learning.
At the completion of this course, students should be able to write simple to moderately complex computer programs that can automate text and data handling tasks that would be difficult or impossible to perform without programming skills.
Textbooks and Other Materials
The textbook information on this page was provided by the instructor. Students should use this information when considering purchases from the AU Campus Store or other vendors. Students may check to determine if books are currently available for purchase online.
Computer Programming for Lawyers
Computer Programming for Lawyers will be supplemented with additional materials
First Class Readings
1. Computer Programming For Lawyers Chapters 1-3
2. Regulating Software When Everything Has Software (http://www.gwlr.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/84-Geo.-Wash.-L.-Rev.-1672.pdf)
3. What is Code? (https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2015-paul-ford-what-is-code/)
4. Before the first class, we want you to install or locate Python (version 3) on your computer. The textbook describes how to do this. Chapter 3 instructs you how to install the Python language itself and how to locate and use your computer's "shell". Please follow these instructions closely and confirm that you can access your shell and start Python from within it.
5. Disregard Sections 3.3 and 3.4.1 of the textbook, regarding IDLE. We will replace IDLE for a more modern text editor called Atom. To install Atom (it's free), please follow these instructions: http://bsudol.com/2qx7LUA
Syllabus
Use your MyAU username and password to access the syllabus in the following format(s):
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)