SoK: Scope and Mission of CS&Law

TL;DR

This paper systematizes the scope and mission of CS&Law, clarifying the intersection-rule meaning of the 'and' in CS&Law as requiring deep integration of rigorous computer-science and legal analysis. It distinguishes CS&Law from adjacent venues, outlines target audiences, and discusses career considerations to foster growth and legitimacy of the field. Through illustrative exemplars and a discussion of impact, it articulates how CS&Law can provide policy guidance and testable legal-technical claims, while outlining future intellectual challenges and funding considerations. Together, these elements aim to solidify a shared understanding that supports interdisciplinary collaboration, community-building, and the maturation of the CS&Law research ecosystem.

Abstract

We systematize the intellectual scope of the ACM Computer Science and Law Symposium (CS&Law). In particular, we address the meaning and importance of the word ''and'' in the name of the symposium. We identify previously published papers (from CS&Law and other forums) that exemplify different aspects of the CS&Law scope and note that the scope is expected to evolve as the symposium and the community grow and change. To round out our systematization of the still nascent research area, we also discuss the mission of CS&Law: What might the symposium seek to accomplish beyond providing a forum for intellectual exchange and community formation?