Prefatory Remarks on Part I: Law and Code

This chapter forms the introduction to part I of this volume. It explores the notions of natural language and computer code in relation to law. After explaining the role of natural language in the constitution of legal norms and the provision of legal certainty, the nature of computer code is explored, raising the issue of how computer code contributes to the constitution of our world. Finally this chapter introduces the two strands of research that inform part I of this volume: (1) artificial intelligence and legal subjectivity and (2) legal and technological normativity.