Amy J. Schmitz, John Deaver Drinko-Baker & Hostetler Chair in Law at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, has been awarded a 2024-2025 Fulbright U.S. Specialist award to examine “Access to Justice in the AI and Digital Era” in Granada, Spain. In November 2024, Schmitz will collaborate with the University of Granada to develop a program around AI and dispute resolution.
“This is my second Fulbright U.S. Specialist grant to strengthen research, education and international collaboration in the field of digital conflict resolution,” Schmitz explains. “My other Fulbright project in the Netherlands in 2022 was very enriching. I cannot wait to work with professors and students in Granada to consider how to incorporate AI and dispute resolution into their curriculum. My last Fulbright project helped launch a new course in the Netherlands similar to the course I teach at the Moritz College of Law.”
Schmitz will be sharing her expertise in digitalization and conflict resolution. In an effort to modernize judicial procedures and facilitate alternative dispute resolution, the European Union and national governments emphasize the need for digitalization in conflict resolution. Schmitz suggests there is is need for deeper research and considerations of empirical evidence, as well as digital dispute system design.
“The overall impact of digitalization on Access to Justice (A2J) remains unaddressed. Governments must consider the type of justice system they are building through digitalization. This includes the comparative perspective and my work in the U.S. vs their work in the E.U. Does digitalization merely modernize, or does it fundamentally transform the justice system?” Schmitz asks.
The positive aspects of digitalization include efficiencies and resilience. Digitalization can tackle delays, enhance legal certainty, make justice more accessible and justice systems more adaptable. However, ensuring access for disadvantaged groups to digital technologies is crucial for equity reasons. The impact of digital technologies on fundamental rights and procedural justice must be scrutinized. Safeguarding privacy and security in digital solutions is also of the utmost concern.
“As new technologies emerge, continuous evaluation is necessary to balance the benefits and the risks. An ongoing assessment is crucial,” Schmitz notes.
During her stay in Spain, Schmitz will also present at a conference, lead discussions with faculty and students, and collaborate with professors and students. Schmitz is also hoping to work with Moritz Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Affairs Tra Pham to develop a new program with Granada.
Fulbright Program
The Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program is administered by World Learning and is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. For more information about the Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program at Ohio State, contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.