Stanford Law's Lead in AI Governance and Law

Published Date : 20/06/2025 

Stanford Law School has emerged as a leader in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and law, with a robust curriculum and interdisciplinary research projects. The school's faculty and students are at the forefront of exploring the ethical, legal, and policy implications of AI, positioning Stanford as a key player in this rapidly evolving field. 

The next frontier for technology and the law: artificial intelligence

For the past several years, Stanford Law School has had a significant focus on artificial intelligence (AI) research and teaching, with several faculty members dedicated to this field, including Professors Daniel Ho, Julian Nyarko, Michelle Mello, Lisa Ouellette, Mark Lemley, and others. The faculty at Stanford Law has produced numerous publications addressing multiple topics within AI and law. Stanford Law also offers multiple specialized courses on AI-related issues, providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes recent classes focused on AI, law, and policy.

In addition to traditional coursework, Stanford Law is also involved in collaborative projects across the Stanford campus and beyond, integrating multiple perspectives from disciplines like computer science, public policy, medicine, and economics. Research topics cover a range of critical issues, including the regulation of autonomous vehicles, ethical implications of AI, access to legal services, and the role of AI in governance. Partnerships with organizations such as the Gates Foundation and initiatives involving the U.N. further underscore the interdisciplinary nature of the AI research efforts at Stanford Law. The school’s commitment to exploring the intersection of AI and the law positions it as a leader in this emerging field.

Stanford Law School’s efforts in AI governance and law are not confined to academic research and teaching. The school actively engages with policymakers and industry leaders to shape the regulatory landscape. For instance, Professor Dan Ho was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle regarding California state lawmakers' request to Congress not to ban their AI laws. This engagement highlights the practical impact of the school’s work on real-world policy decisions.

The school’s publications also reflect its comprehensive approach to AI governance. Notable works include 'No. 118: From Data Processing to Artificial Intelligence: The Evolution of EU Technology Enforcement Under the GDPR and the AI Act' by Stella (Ziyu) Zhou, and 'No. 115: The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in the European Union Through GDPR and AI Act: Bias and Discrimination in AI-Based Decisions and Fundamental Rights' by Sarah Buchheister. These publications delve into the regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations surrounding AI, providing valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.

Moreover, Stanford Law School’s faculty and students are at the forefront of developing innovative tools and frameworks to assess the reliability and ethical implications of AI systems. For example, the article 'An Automated Framework for Assessing How Well LLMs Cite Relevant Medical References' by Kevin Wu, Eric Wu, Kevin Wei, Angela Zhang, Allison Casasola, Teresa Nguyen, Sith Riantawan, Patricia Shi, Daniel E. Ho, and James Zou, explores the accuracy and ethical use of large language models in medical contexts.

Stanford Law School’s commitment to AI governance and law is evident in its interdisciplinary approach, collaborative projects, and practical engagement with policymakers. As the field of AI continues to evolve, Stanford Law School’s pioneering efforts will play a crucial role in shaping the legal and ethical frameworks that guide the development and application of AI technologies. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the focus of AI research at Stanford Law School?

A: The focus of AI research at Stanford Law School includes the regulation of autonomous vehicles, ethical implications of AI, access to legal services, and the role of AI in governance. The school also explores the intersection of AI with various fields such as computer science, public policy, medicine, and economics.

Q: How does Stanford Law School engage with policymakers and industry leaders?

A: Stanford Law School actively engages with policymakers and industry leaders through collaborative projects, partnerships, and practical engagement. For example, Professor Dan Ho was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle regarding California state lawmakers' request to Congress not to ban their AI laws.

Q: What are some notable publications from Stanford Law School on AI governance?

A: Notable publications include 'No. 118: From Data Processing to Artificial Intelligence: The Evolution of EU Technology Enforcement Under the GDPR and the AI Act' and 'No. 115: The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in the European Union Through GDPR and AI Act: Bias and Discrimination in AI-Based Decisions and Fundamental Rights'. These works delve into regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations surrounding AI.

Q: What innovative tools and frameworks are being developed at Stanford Law School?

A: Stanford Law School is developing innovative tools and frameworks to assess the reliability and ethical implications of AI systems. For example, the article 'An Automated Framework for Assessing How Well LLMs Cite Relevant Medical References' explores the accuracy and ethical use of large language models in medical contexts.

Q: How does Stanford Law School's interdisciplinary approach benefit AI research?

A: Stanford Law School’s interdisciplinary approach integrates multiple perspectives from disciplines like computer science, public policy, medicine, and economics. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded understanding of AI governance and law, addressing both technical and ethical challenges. 

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