Abstract With the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the European Commission is addressing one of the central issues of our time. However, a number of core legal questions are still unresolved. Against this background, the article in a first step lays regulatory foundations by examining the possible scope of a future AI regulation, and by…
Taming COVID-19 by Regulation: An Opportunity for Self-Reflection
Abstract The COVID-19 outbreak offers a rich case study of government’s emergency response. As such, it is a test bed for risk research and regulatory theories in a world increasingly shaped by transboundary, uncertain manufactured and natural risks. This introductory essay to the special issue of the European Journal of Risk Regulation attempts at providing…
Avoiding Even the Appearance of Impropriety: An Empirical Study of Public Perceptions of Ethical Dilemmas in the Legal Profession
Abstract The “appearance of impropriety” standard should be categorically applied to regulate all members of the legal profession. The standard is intended to prevent the public’s loss of confidence in the legal system by disciplining members of the profession who appear to act improperly even if they do not violate specific ethics rules. When applying…
The Sandbox Paradox: Balancing the Need to Facilitate Innovation with the Risk of Regulatory Privilege
Abstract In recent years, “regulatory sandboxes” have gained a great deal of attention from policymakers, regulators, and regulatory scholars. Regulatory sandboxes are closed testing environments in which specific firms are able to experiment with new and innovative business models or products with reduced regulatory burden or expedited regulatory decisions. Sandbox advocates support or defend regulatory…
Avatars, Acting and Imagination: Bringing New Techniques into the Legal Classroom
Abstract This project is part of an ongoing effort to build the “360° lawyer,” a concept that I came up with to capture related strands of thought I have had while teaching students in my first-year legal writing classroom. “360°,” or “whole,” or “all the way around.” These felt like the right ways to describe…
The Global RegTech Industry Benchmark Report
Abstract The first global benchmark study of the RegTech sector by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, conducted with the support of EY Japan, is based on a survey of 111 firms as well as regulators and industry experts. We estimate that the global RegTech industry generated $5 billion in revenue in 2018, and had…
Nudge regulation and innovation policy
Abstract Whilst there is widespread agreement among decision makers that fostering innovation should be a priority, there is far less consensus on how to achieve this objective. Given the fact that the effects of new technologies are often unknown, in the early stages of technological development, there might be insufficient information for conducting a cost-benefit…
Key Elements of Responsible Artificial Intelligence – Disruptive Technologies and Human Rights
Abstract One major challenge facing human kind in the 21st century the widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Hardly a day passes without news about the disruptive force of AI – both good and bad. Some warn that AI could be the worst event in the history of our civilization. Others stress the chances of…
Current Day Realities of Legal Education in Nigeria: Challenges, Prospects and Productive Way Forward
Abstract “We need to raise the standard of legal education in Nigeria. The standard is too poor and too weak, and we see it in the quality of lawyers that come to our chambers”. The above were the words of the former chair of the NBA while describing the pitiable state of legal education in…
New Zealand Lawyers, Pro Bono, and Access to Justice
Executive Summary This report summarises the results of a study about the provision of pro bono legal services in New Zealand. Pro bono legal services – free legal assistance provided by qualified lawyers – is often pointed to as an option for assisting more New Zealanders to access legal services. This is in recognition that…