Artificial Intelligence: Policy, Ethics, and Legal Governance

This course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and Canadian law, examining how emerging technologies challenge existing legal frameworks and ethical norms. Students will analyze Canadian use cases and applications of AI, while also considering comparative perspectives from the U.S., EU, and other jurisdictions. The course will blend theoretical discussion with practical examination of real-world AI tools and applications.

Students will be introduced to foundational questions about AI governance, before moving into specific domains where AI intersects with legal doctrine and policy. Areas of focus may include intellectual property, privacy and data protection, human rights, discrimination, competition law, and access to justice. Students will assess how Canadian laws respond to these challenges, explore policy proposals for regulating AI, and evaluate the regulatory “toolbox” available to policymakers by considering how existing mechanisms may need to evolve in response to AI adoption.