December 30, 2024
Dear Readers,
On behalf of the Executive and Editorial Boards, I am honored to present the Fall 2024 Issue of Volume XXXI of the Journal of Law & Technology (“JOLT”). We are proud to feature three insightful articles that advance our mission of exploring the evolving intersections of law and technology. Additionally, we are thrilled that this issue highlights work written by law students.
The first article, written by Jake A. Evinger, a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Houston Law Center, explores the harmful effects of “walled gardens” in consumer technology markets. Mr. Evinger discusses how closed ecosystems restrict software access and limit choices for both consumers and developers. In his article, Mr. Evinger argues that as new technologies emerge, the need for legal frameworks supporting openness and developer freedom becomes increasingly critical.
The second article, authored by Kaitlin Carroll, a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Richmond School of Law, examines how housing-related algorithms could perpetuate discriminatory practices. She argues that developers of such algorithms should be held accountable under the Fair Housing Act’s disparate impact liability and calls for federal regulation of AI in housing to ensure transparency, regular auditing, and accountability.
Finally, the third article, written by Anthony Chen, a Juris Doctor candidate at Vanderbilt Law School and PhD candidate, delves into the use of loot boxes in video games. Mr. Chen discusses the addictive design and unpredictable costs associated with loot boxes, while also addressing their benefits for both game companies and players. He argues that effective regulation must account for the broader economic and legal impacts to protect consumers without stifling the positive aspects of loot boxes.
On behalf of all the members of the Journal of Law & Technology, I would like to extend our thanks to the authors for partnering with JOLT to produce timely and thought-provoking scholarship. We are immensely proud of the quality of the articles in this issue and grateful for the hard work accomplished by both the authors and staff members. I would also like to thank our faculty advisors, Professors Christopher Cotropia, James Gibson, and to Professor Jessica Erickson, for their guidance and support throughout the completion of our Fall issue.
We hope you find our Fall Issue both timely and thought-provoking. We look forward to continuing our exploration of the intersection of law and technology and producing more excellent work in 2025.
Sincerely,
Samuel Naramore
Editor-in-Chief, Volume XXXI
ARTICLES
Walled Gardens & Forbidden Apples: Software Access Amid Antimonopoly Resurgence
by Jake A. Evinger