Calls to “future proof” the legal system against emerging technologies—AI, algorithmic decision-making, deepfakes, and more—now pervade public discourse. Professor Gregory Dickinson challenges the premise that rapid technological change requires similarly rapid lawmaking. Drawing on history, sociology, and public-choice theory, he argues that the most powerful tools for governing technological innovation are the general-purpose principles already embedded in our legal system. From Gutenberg’s press to modern AI systems, premature, technology-specific regulation often entrenches incumbents, suppresses experimentation, and destabilizes legal principles that have proven durable across technological eras. A legal system committed to generality, stability, and adaptability—rather than bespoke rules for each new invention—better protects both innovation and the rule of law.
Lunch will be served. Please register at the link. We hope you join us!
\n\nIf you need an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the event sponsor or the Texas Law Special Events Office at specialevents@law.utexas.edu no later than seven business days prior to the event. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:Calls to “future proof” the legal system against emerging technologies—AI, algorithmic decision-making, deepfakes, and more—now pervade public discourse. Professor Gregory Dickinson challenges the premise that rapid technological change requires similarly rapid lawmaking. Drawing on history, sociology, and public-choice theory, he argues that the most powerful tools for governing technological innovation are the general-purpose principles already embedded in our legal system. From Gutenberg’s press to modern AI systems, premature, technology-specific regulation often entrenches incumbents, suppresses experimentation, and destabilizes legal principles that have proven durable across technological eras. A legal system committed to generality, stability, and adaptability—rather than bespoke rules for each new invention—better protects both innovation and the rule of law.
Lunch will be served. Please register at the link. We hope you join us!
If you need an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the event event sponsor or the Texas Law Special Events Office at specialevents@law.utexas.edu no later than seven business days prior to the event.
LOCATION:TNH 2.140 - Wright Classroom URL:http://law.utexas.edu/calendar/2026/03/10/82839/ CLASS:PUBLIC STATUS:CONFIRMED END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR