The interaction between law and technology is complex. There are at least three ways in which this interaction can be viewed: legal technology, technology law, and the impact of technology on existing laws.
This module explains these three modes of interaction and sets the stage for the rest of the Certificate. It covers basic legal concepts, such as Singapore's legal system, the difference between statutory and common law, the difference between criminal and civil law, and the role of lawyers. This provides essential background knowledge for non-legally trained participants to understand and appreciate other modules in the Certificate.
This module is part of the Advanced Certificate in Law and Technology.
Participants without legal training are required to take Module 1 in order to qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Law and Technology.
Participants with legal training may be exempt from Module 1 as the course covers basic legal concepts.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Define what law is
- Learn the three ways in which law interacts with technology
- Understand the basic features of Singapore’s legal system
- Understand how the legal system and fundamental legal principles constrain or enable legal innovation and the adoption of technology
- Differentiation of three themes: legal technology (LegalTech), technology law and impact of technology on law
- Constitutional structure and the process of making law
- The common law system and the relationship between case law and statute
- Hierarchy of courts and the doctrine of binding precedent
- The role of Organs of State in making, administering and enforcing law
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Paralegals
- Allied Legal Professionals (e.g. Legal Technologists)
PREREQUISITE
- A Bachelor's Degree; or
- A Diploma with at least 3 years of working experience.
ASSESSMENT
As part of the requirement for SkillsFuture Singapore, there will be an assessment conducted at the end of the course. The mode of assessment, which is up to the trainer’s discretion, may be an online quiz, a presentation or based on classroom exercises.
Participants are required to attain a minimum of 75% attendance and pass the associated assessment in order to receive a digital Certificate of Completion issued by Singapore Management University.
SPEAKER
Alexander read law at the University of Cambridge on a President's scholarship. He also obtained a Masters in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center. He first joined the Singapore Legal Service as a Deputy Public Prosecutor/ State Counsel with the Financial and Technology Crime Division of the Attorney-General's Chambers. He also appeared as lead counsel in the State Courts and High Court, and as assisting counsel in the Court of Appeal. Previously, he was also the Deputy Director of the Office of Transformation and Innovation (Judiciary). He is currently a lecturer at SUSS and has taught law as an adjunct to undergraduates at SMU and NUS. Alexander was also listed as one of Singapore Business Review's 18 Most Influential Lawyers Under 40 in 2022.
