I am an associate professor (UHD) at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Law in the department Foundations and Methods of Law.
My background is in legal theory and law and philosophy; my research focuses on non-human agents (e.g. states, AI) within the law and in the social construction of law, combining socio-ontological theories of law with law and the cognitive sciences.
Expertise & projects
Non-human agents
This research line focuses on non-human agents and the law. On the one hand, it focuses on non-human agents within the law, in particular their acts & omissions and responsibility. How can states, corporations, and artificial intelligence best be embedded in our society? When and under what conditions can and should we hold these (and other) non-human entities responsible and/or liable for their actions?
On the other hand, it looks at the role of non-human agents in the social construction of (legal) reality, e.g. in the case of states creating customary international law. What role do non-human agents play in (co-)constructing legal reality and how does this work?
This research line combines law with ethics, philosophy of action, and insights from the cognitive sciences (especially moral and social psychology).
Methodology
I find it important to critically and systematically reflect on methodological questions with regard to legal research (and education). My particular interests lie in conceptual ethics and epistemological coherentism.
Concepts & reasoning
Human and non-human cognition alike plays an important role in law, particularly re: conceptualisation and legal reasoning. In how far are current concepts and modes of reasoning suited to describing, understanding and evaluating new and emerging legal phenomena in a globalising and complex world? What about new types of agents and emergent technologies?
This research line combines legal theory, social ontology, and legal logic.
Education
I have extensive experience with legal education in various roles, including but not limited to course design, coordination, and evaluation.
Currently, I am part of the coordination team of the bachelor programmme European Law School at Maastricht University, as well as a member of the steering group for curriculum reform.
Positions
Assistant professor
2015 –
In 2015, I joined the department of Foundations and Methods of Law at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Law as an assistant professor.
Lecturer
2012 – 2015
I started my academic career as a lecturer at the public law department of Maastricht University’s Faculty of Law. Next to teaching comparative constitutional and administrative law as well as legal skills, I wrote my PhD in this period.
AM Waltermann 