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Discussion (1L): Race and Technology

Past Offerings

Discussion (1L): Race and Technology (240T): People like to think of technology as value neutral, as essentially objective tools that can be used for good or evil, particularly when questions of race and racial justice are involved. But the technologies we develop and deploy are frequently shaped by historical prejudices, biases, and inequalities and thus may be no less biased and racist than the underlying society in which they exist. In this discussion group, we will consider whether and how racial and other biases are present in a wide range of technologies, particularly artificial intelligence tools like risk assessment algorithms for bail, sentencing, predictive policing, and other decisions in the criminal justice system; algorithms for medical diagnosis and treatment decisions; AI that screens tenant or credit applications or job applications; facial recognition systems; surveillance tools; and many more. Building on these various case studies, we will seek to articulate a framework for recognizing both explicit and subtle anti-black and other biases in technology and understanding them in the broader context of racism and inequality in our society. Finally, we will discuss how these problems might be addressed, including by regulators, legislators, and courts as well as by significant changes in mindset and practical engagement by technology developers, companies, and educators. Class meets 4:30 PM-6:30 PM on Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Nov. 2, 2023. Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation.

Sections

Discussion (1L): Race and Technology | LAW 240T Section 01 Class #31898

  • 1 Units
  • Grading: Law Mandatory P/R/F
  • 2023-2024 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Enrollment Limitations: Consent
    • 1L: Mandatory (First-Year Required Course)
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO7 - Professional Skills

Notes: Class meets 4:30 PM-6:30 PM on Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Nov. 2, 2023. Meeting location TBA by instructor.

  • 2023-2024 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available

Discussion (1L): Race and Technology (240T): People often tend to think of technology as value neutral, as essentially objective tools that can be used for good or evil, particularly when questions of race and racial justice are involved. But the technologies we develop and deploy are frequently shaped by historical prejudices, biases, and inequalities and thus may be no less biased and racist than the underlying society in which they exist. In this discussion group, we will consider whether and how racial and other biases are present in a wide range of technologies, such as "risk assessment" algorithms for bail, predictive policing, and other decisions in the criminal justice system; facial recognition systems; surveillance tools; algorithms for medical diagnosis and treatment decisions; online housing ads that result in "digital redlining;" programs that determine entitlement to credit or public benefits and/or purport to detect fraud by recipients; algorithms used in recruiting and hiring; digital divide access gaps; and more. Building on these various case studies, we will seek to articulate a framework for recognizing both explicit and subtle anti-black and other biases in tech and understanding them in the broader context of racism and inequality in our society. Finally, we will discuss how these problems might be addressed, including by regulators, legislators, and courts as well as by significant changes in mindset and practical engagement by technology developers and educators. Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation. Class meets 4:30 PM-6:00 PM on Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 27, Nov. 10.

Sections

Discussion (1L): Race and Technology | LAW 240T Section 01 Class #32647

  • 1 Units
  • Grading: Law Mandatory P/R/F
  • 2022-2023 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Enrollment Limitations: Consent
    • 1L: Mandatory (First-Year Required Course)
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO7 - Professional Skills

Notes: Class meets 4:30 PM-6:00 PM on Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 27, Nov. 10. Meeting location TBA by instructor.

  • 2022-2023 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available

Discussion (1L): Race and Technology (240T): There is sometimes a tendency to describe technology as value neutral, as simply a tool that can be used for good or evil, particularly when questions of race and racial justice are involved. But the technologies we develop and deploy are shaped by historical prejudices, biases, and inequalities and thus are no less biased and racist than the underlying society in which they exist. In this discussion group, we will examine how racial and other biases are inherent in a wide range of technologies, including "risk assessment" algorithms for predictive policing or other decisions in the criminal justice system, facial recognition systems, surveillance tools, diagnostic algorithms for medical diagnosis and treatment decisions, "digital redlining" through housing ads, programs that determine entitlement to credit or public benefits and/or purport to detect fraud by recipients, algorithms used in recruiting and hiring, digital divide access gaps, and more. Building on these various case studies, we will seek to articulate a framework for recognizing both explicit and subtle anti-black and other biases in tech and understanding them in the broader context of racism and inequality in our society. Finally, we will discuss how these problems might be addressed, including by regulators, legislators, and courts as well as by significant changes in mindset and practical engagement by technology developers and educators. Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation. The seminar will meet four times during the Fall quarter. Class meets 4:30-6:30pm, September 23, October 7, October 21, November 4.

Sections

Discussion (1L): Race and Technology | LAW 240T Section 01 Class #42771

  • 1 Units
  • Grading: Law Mandatory P/R/F
  • 2021-2022 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Enrollment Limitations: Consent
    • 1L: Mandatory (First-Year Required Course)
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO7 - Professional Skills

Notes: Class meets 4:30-6:30pm, September 23, October 7, October 21, November 4.

  • 2021-2022 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available
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