The "AI und Law" (Artificial Intelligence and Law) Conference was held at our University
Between October 8–10, 2025, our university hosted the conference titled "Artificial Intelligence and Law." At the event, attended by leading academics from Germany and Türkiye, the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal system was discussed from a multifaceted scientific perspective. Opening remarks were delivered by our General Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Ferit Küçükay; Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Dr. Hamide Özden Özkaya-Ferendeci; and Faculty Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Gerhard Seher. In his opening remarks, our General Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Ferit Küçükay, emphasized that technological advancement has become a subject not only of engineering but also of law and ethics. He highlighted the intersection of artificial intelligence with human conscience and values, using examples from decision-making processes in autonomous vehicles. He stated that questions in this area can only be answered with an interdisciplinary approach.
On the first day, the conceptual and legal foundations of artificial intelligence were discussed. Prof. Dr. Ali Gökhan Yavuz outlined the conceptual framework with his presentation titled “What is Artificial Intelligence?” (Was ist Künstliche Intelligenz?). Then, Prof. Dr. Bertram Lomfeld introduced the topic “Artificial Persons: Do we need ‘Artificial Intelligence Rights’?” (Künstliche Personen: Brauchen wir ‚Rechte der KI‘?) and Prof. Dr. Gerhard Seher introduced the topic of the legal status of artificial intelligence and personality debates with their presentations titled “Can artificial intelligence be a ‘Person’?” (Kann Künstliche Intelligenz eine ‚Person‘ sein?). In the public law session, Prof. Dr. Torben Ellerbrok, with his speech titled “The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Administrative Procedures – A Mistake and Its Consequences” (Die Verwendung Künstlicher Intelligenz beim Erlass von Verwaltungsakten – ein Fehler und seine Folgen), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berke Özenç, with his speech titled “The Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Freedom of Expression and Democratic Processes” (Die Auswirkungen der Künstlichen Intelligenz auf die Meinungsfreiheit und demokratische Prozesse), sparked important legal debates.
On the second day, under the title “Artificial Intelligence and Private Law,” contracts, declarations of will, and intellectual property were addressed. Prof. Dr. Olaf Muthorst discussed the role of artificial intelligence in contract law in his presentation titled “The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Contract Formation” (Der Einsatz generativer KI beim Vertragsschluss). Prof. Dr. Mesut Serdar Çekin reassessed classical legal theories with his presentation titled “The Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Legal Transaction Theory – Should we rethink the concept of ‘Declaration of Will’?” (Auswirkungen der KI auf die Rechtsgeschäftslehre – müssen wir den Begriff der ‚Willenserklärung‘ überdenken?). Prof. Dr. Koray Demir pioneered new discussions in intellectual property law with his presentation titled “Is protection possible in Intellectual Property Law for artificial intelligence works?” ("Immaterialgüterrechtlicher Schutz für Schöpfungen der Künstlichen Intelligenz?") The day concluded with Dr. Hannes Henke's presentation titled "Non-Contractual Liability in the Use of Artificial Intelligence" (Außervertragliche Haftung beim Einsatz von KI).
The final day of the conference was devoted to criminal law. Prof. Dr. Ali Kemal Yıldız presented "Fundamentals of the Criminal Legal Liability of Artificial Intelligence" (Die Grundlagen der strafrechtlichen Verantwortlichkeit der KI), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Çınar presented "Some Practical Examples of the Criminal Legal Liability of Artificial Intelligence" (Einige bemerkenswerte Beispiele aus der Praxis zur Strafbarkeit der KI).
Discussions held during the conference provided new perspectives on the legal assessment of artificial intelligence. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between law and technology and demonstrated that AI raises significant questions not only from a technical perspective but also from a legal and ethical perspective. This topic appears to be a central focus of scientific and societal discussions in the coming period.
