Self-Driving Vehicles: Air, Land, and Sea, Spring 2021

Technology

Drone Law and Policy: Lifting Off or Stalling the Industry?

Col. Dawn M. K. Zoldi (retired)

Forward-leaning regulatory applications are already allowing drone deliveries of COVID-19 test kits in multiple states. The potential commercial applications of drones abound, yet recent regulatory proposals threaten to stymie progress in this nascent industry.

Technology

Telephones, Aerial Surveillance, and Privacy Rights

By Matthew Henshon

“Reasonable expectation of privacy” changes as technology advances. Fourth Amendment privacy jurisprudence offers a prism to examine how the Supreme Court’s view of privacy has evolved in the face of advancing technology and what to expect going forward.

Cybersecurity

Chinese Drones Are in the Penalty –Box- who’s next?

By Mary-Caitlin Ray

The federal government’s sweeping restrictions—including outright bans—on Chinese-made unmanned aircraft systems in 2020 over national security concerns may be a bellwether for companies that source components from and manufacture products in China.

Technology

The Department of Defense AI Ethical Principles: A Guide for Legal Counsel to Autonomous Drone Operators

By Frank Coppersmith

The Department of Defense’s newly adopted artificial intelligence (AI) ethical principles can serve as a guide to legal counsel being asked to advise in industries, such as drones.

Technology

Autonomy by Sea: Navigating International Waters

By CDR Tracy Reynolds

With the autonomous ships or unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) market expected to reach $11.5 billion by 2027, legal advisors are seeking ways to maximize autonomous technology opportunities while managing risk.

Top 10 Reasons for Drone Companies to Engage an Attorney [PDF Download]

Free download of ABA President Refo’s keynote address at InterDrone Online 2020, a conference for unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) professionals, about when and why businesses in the UAV area should engage an attorney.

Technology

Message from the Chair: Droning on about Science & Technology . . . in a good way

Eric Y. Drogin

This issue addresses a striking array of legal considerations that reflect every context in which a vehicle is going somewhere but no one is actually driving.

Diversity & Inclusion

Get the Scitech Edge: Membership and Diversity Committee News

By Laura Possessky and Charlene C. Goldfield

ABA Connections: Building Extraordinary Relationships: The ABA Science & Technology Section is committed to making connections with each other more available and accessible.

Technology

William J. Luddy, Jr. Memorial Tribute

By Richard L. Field

The ABA Science & Technology Section remembers the life, friendship, and leadership of long-time Section Council Member William J. Luddy, Jr.