A Vision on What Explanations of Autonomous Systems are of Interest to Lawyers

As (semi-) autonomous systems become more prevalent, accountability for their actions in legal cases becomes crucial. However, understanding the decision-making process of these complex systems can be challenging. System explainability offers a solution by providing insights into how these systems work. In our research vision, we focus on identifying the types of explanations that lawyers need in litigation involving autonomous systems. With an increase in autonomy, these systems get increasingly complex, with some systems even being “black-” or “grey-box” systems where large amounts of their decision making is obscured. By bridging the gap between technology and the law, we aim to enhance the legal process surrounding autonomous vehicles.