Course directory

KDEC 9255 - Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law

KDEC 9255 · Spring semester 2025-2026

Language of tuition
English
Course type
Cours séminaire
Number of hours
24
Credits
4

Information

Description

This course explores how Artificial Intelligence challenges constitutional democracy. After introducing core AI concepts, it examines ethical concerns and compares global regulatory models (EU, U.S., China) and international human rights approaches. A central focus is the European framework, especially the AI Act and its tools for fundamental rights protection. The course addresses AI’s impact on privacy, data protection, non-discrimination, and freedom of expression, using real-world case studies from law enforcement, the judiciary, and disinformation control.

Prerequisites

It is recommended that students possess a basic understanding of legal concepts, particularly in the areas of fundamental rights law, constitutional law, and European Union law. Additional knowledge of data protection, law and technology is also welcome.

Teaching format

The course adopts an interactive lecture format, combining frontal teaching with participatory methods.

Students are encouraged to bring their own perspectives and questions, especially when analysing complex issues at the intersection of AI, law, and democracy.

Assessment

The course will be assessed through a final written exam. The exam will evaluate students' understanding of the key legal, constitutional, and regulatory issues discussed throughout the course. The exam will be composed of two essay questions to be answered in no more than 750 words.

Workload

The course consists of 24 hours of lectures, structured around eleven thematic units. Each session combines theoretical input with discussion of real-world case studies and legal materials.

Estimated total workload (including class time, readings, and exam preparation): approximately 75 hours.

Readings

Main readings 4

  1. Bassini, M. (2025). DeepSeek, or OpenAI Reloaded? An ‘Italian-Style Approach’in Tackling Data Protection in Generative AI. AIRe, 2(1), 88.

  2. Buijsman, S., Klenk, M. and Hoven, J. van den (2025) ‘Ethics of AI: Toward a “Design for Values” Approach’, in N.A. Smuha (ed.) The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Ethics and Policy of Artificial Intelligence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (Cambridge Law Handbooks), pp. 59–78.

  3. De Gregorio, G. and Pollicino, O. (2025) ‘The European Constitutional Way to Address Disinformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’, German Law Journal, pp. 1–22. doi:10.1017/glj.2025.24.

  4. Smuha, N.A. and Yeung, K. (2025) ‘The European Union’s AI Act: Beyond Motherhood and Apple Pie?’, in N.A. Smuha (ed.) The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Ethics and Policy of Artificial Intelligence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (Cambridge Law Handbooks), pp. 228–258.

Teaching units

Unit no.Unit type Teaching unitsTeachers Number of hoursCredits
58530Cours séminaire Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law Oreste POLLICINO244

Teachers

  • Oreste POLLICINO