International Law & The Digital Economy (LAWS90297)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
March
Teaching staff:
Andrea Leiter (Subject Coordinator)
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
Overview
| Availability(Quotas apply) | March |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject examines the intersections of digital technologies, international law, and global economic development. Taking its cue from Tuvalu's proposition for a digital twin and the concept of digital nations, the course delves into the evolution of data jurisdictions, the role of corporations in international governance, and the transformative impact of information technologies on states, societies, and economies. Students will scrutinise the role of corporate entities as pivotal players in governance, locate tech companies in the development framework of technology transfer, and retrace the influence of cybernetics on legal theory and practice in the age of information technologies. The syllabus challenges the delineation between state and non-state actors by tracing tools of statecraft both old and new such as concession agreements, special economic zones, platforms, the rise of network states and Decentralised Autonomous Organisations.
Case study:
Throughout the subject students will engage in a practical exercise revolving around Tuvalu's proposition on becoming the First Digital Nation. In groups, students will explore different aspects of the proposal including the technological frameworks necessary to actualise such a vision and the strategies and implications for the digital conservation of Tuvalu's cultural legacy as a digital twin. Their work will take the form of a legal fabulation: a narrative that, while based on factual research and legal principles, allows for creative freedom in exploring the ethical, emotional, and social dimensions of Tuvalu's digital transformation.
Indicative list of principal topics:
- Digital Nations and Sovereignty
- Data Jurisdictions and Corporate Governance
- State-craft and Non-state Actors
- Governance by Technology
- Legal Fabulation for Socialities of the Future
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject should be able to:
- Analyse the role of digital technologies for international law by drawing on historical and contemporary approaches to statecraft defining state sovereignty and global economic integration.
- Evaluate the legal and economic implications of data jurisdictions and the commodification of data capital, understanding their impact on international legal frameworks.
- Assess the mechanisms of technology transfer, including concession agreements, special economic zones, and platform economies, and their role in forming differentiated sovereignties.
- Critique the evolving role of corporations in international law as governance entities in light of increased digitisation.
- Engage in legal fabulation by crafting narratives that explore the potential realities and implications of Tuvalu's digital transformation.
Generic skills
- Analyse the intersection of digital technologies and international law, including state sovereignty and economic integration.
- Evaluate the legal and economic impacts of data jurisdiction and technology transfer mechanisms on international frameworks.
- Critically assess the evolving role of corporations in international law amidst increased digitisation, and engage in speculative legal narratives.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Recommended background knowledge
Knowledge of public international law is strongly recommended. It is expected students will have completed prior study in public international law at an undergraduate level or successfully completed International Law (LAWS70173) as well as International Law and Development (LAWS70093). Students studying this subject will also benefit from a background in technology and the law.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Class Participation | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Group exercise and presentation
| During the teaching period | 10% |
Closed book reflection essay
| During the teaching period | 20% |
Research essay
| 9 April 2025 | 60% |
| Hurdle requirement: A minimum of 75% attendance is required. | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- March
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 34 Total time commitment 150 hours Pre teaching start date 5 February 2025 Pre teaching requirements Please refer to Canvas LMS to check on the pre-class readings and preparatory learning activities before the teaching period commences. Teaching period 4 March 2025 to 11 March 2025 Last self-enrol date 10 February 2025 Census date 7 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 11 April 2025 Assessment period ends 23 May 2025 March contact information
Teaching staff:
Andrea Leiter (Subject Coordinator)
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Please refer to the Melbourne Law Masters enrolment webpage for further information about re-enrolment, subject quotas and waitlists.
Melbourne Law School may reserve places in a subject for incoming international cohorts or where a subject is core to a specialisation with limited alternate options.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
If subject coordinator approval is required, or for further information about Community Access Program study, please contact us
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025