At Florida State University’s College of Law, faculty are at the forefront of groundbreaking research that explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and law, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by these emerging technologies.
By integrating AI research into the curriculum, the college equips students to meet these challenges head-on and empowers them to thrive in the evolving world of legal practice.
“The research conducted by our faculty not only contributes to the broader discourse on AI and law but also enriches the educational experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a complex, technology-driven world,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, FSU College of Law dean and Donald J. Weidner Chair. “With a focus on innovation and forward-thinking scholarship, FSU Law is committed to ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
“The research conducted by our faculty not only contributes to the broader discourse on AI and law but also enriches the educational experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a complex, technology-driven world.” – Dean Erin O’Hara O’Connor
Among the faculty leading the charge is Shawn Bayern, Larry and Joyce Beltz Professor of Torts and associate dean for technology, who leverages his background as a computer programmer to investigate the impact of AI on corporate governance and business law.
Bayern’s scholarship has shown that existing business law can give legal personhood to AI systems and has explored the consequences of that capability. He has also analyzed how AI interacts with various legal fields, such as agency law and reverse engineering under trade-secret law.
Bayern is one of many FSU College of Law faculty leading the way on AI innovation.
Lauren Scholz, McConnaughhay and Rissman Professor of Law, is an internationally recognized leader in contract law and technology. Her research focuses on how AI-driven algorithms influence legal frameworks and market behavior, particularly through the lens of algorithmic contracts. In previous work, Scholz has shown how AI can form binding contracts on behalf of their users.
Her research reveals the complexities introduced by automated systems, where formal notions of consent in contracts may no longer suffice. Scholz argues that private law must evolve to reflect the realities of digital interactions, where users – corporate and consumer alike – often engage with complex platforms with inadequate regard for the implications of their agreements.
The implications of AI extend further into criminal justice, as highlighted by Steven M. Goldstein Professor Wayne Logan’s research. In a recent article, Logan examined the constitutional implications of police using AI-generated “deepfakes” to secure confessions from criminal suspects. His work underscores the urgent need for legal frameworks that protect individual rights in a world where convincing, yet fabricated evidence is used in criminal investigations.
Gary & Sallyn Pajcic Professor Nadia Banteka is also delving into where criminal law meets AI. Her research explores the concept of legal personhood for AI. Banteka investigates whether AI could one day hold legal rights and responsibilities and what that would mean for accountability. Banteka’s work examines how AI’s unique qualities challenge current legal frameworks, raising important questions about how our laws and ethics must evolve to keep up with AI’s expanding role in society.
FSU Law also houses the Institute of Law, Technology & Innovation, led by executive director and Law professor Aaron Voloj Dessauer. The Institute brings together students, academics and business professionals to explore how the rapidly evolving digital landscape intersects with legal frameworks and innovation. Its goal is to foster research, education and collaboration at the nexus of law and emerging technologies, from AI and data privacy to intellectual property and digital rights.
“This commitment to innovation and forward-thinking scholarship underscores FSU Law’s role as a leader in legal education,” Voloj Dessauer said. “This is a growing area of interest that we are heavily leaning into, including new courses, externship opportunities and a whole array of other events.”
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