Expanded Summary of LLB Online
Application Notes 2024
Introduction to Computer Applications
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it using instructions,
and generates output for the user. Computers are central to modern professional work,
including the legal field.
Core functions include:
1. Input – feeding data through devices such as keyboards and scanners.
2. Storage – holding data temporarily (RAM) or permanently (hard drives).
3. Processing – using the CPU to manipulate and calculate data.
4. Output – producing results on monitors, printers, or speakers.
5. Control – ensuring tasks are carried out in sequence.
Types of computers:
- Analogue computers process continuous signals (used in thermometers, aircraft
instruments).
- Digital computers process binary signals (used in laptops, desktops, phones).
- Hybrid computers combine both (hospital equipment, petrol pumps).
By size:
- Personal Computers – general purpose, affordable.
- Workstations – powerful single-user systems.
- Mini Computers – multi-user, mid-sized.
- Mainframes – handle massive data for banks, airlines, governments.
- Supercomputers – extremely powerful, used for weather forecasting and space research.
In the legal field, digital computers dominate, enabling case management, legal drafting, and
online research.
Generations of Computers
The history of computer development is divided into generations, each marked by major
technological innovations.
1st Generation (1940s–1950s):
- Based on vacuum tubes, enormous in size, consumed large electricity.
- Programming in machine language (0s and 1s).
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- Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC.
- Legal impact: primitive, but introduced idea of automated processing.
2nd Generation (1950s–1960s):
- Transistors replaced vacuum tubes – smaller, more reliable, faster.
- High-level languages (FORTRAN, COBOL) were introduced.
- Examples: IBM 7090, PDP-8.
- Legal offices began exploring automation of typing and records.
3rd Generation (1960s–1970s):
- Integrated Circuits (ICs) introduced – higher reliability, reduced cost.
- Minicomputers became popular.
- Languages: BASIC, ALGOL.
- Growing role in university law faculties and legal drafting.
4th Generation (1970s–Present):
- Microprocessors and VLSI chips.
- Rise of personal computers (Apple II, IBM PC).
- Networking allowed lawyers to share files and access databases.
5th Generation (Present–Future):
- Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Use of ULSI, natural language processing, and expert systems.
- Smartphones and AI-driven legal research tools represent this era.
History of Computing Devices
Before electronic computers, several mechanical devices paved the way:
- Abacus: Ancient counting device still used in some schools.
- Napier’s Bones: 17th century invention for multiplication/division.
- Pascaline: Early mechanical calculator invented by Blaise Pascal.
- Leibnitz Wheel: Step calculator by Gottfried Leibnitz.
- Difference Engine & Analytical Engine: Designed by Charles Babbage, regarded as father of
computing.
- Hollerith Tabulating Machine: Used in 1890 U.S. census.
- Differential Analyzer: Analog computer for solving equations.
- Mark I: Large electromechanical computer.
Each device represented humanity’s attempt to automate calculation, ultimately influencing
the legal profession by setting a foundation for modern information processing.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers
Advantages:
- Speed: Billions of instructions per second.
- Accuracy: Executes commands exactly if input is correct.
- Storage: Gigabytes to terabytes available at low cost.
- Diligence: No tiredness, can work continuously.
- Versatility: Can perform research, drafting, presentations.
- Reliability: Durable if properly maintained.
- Automation: Reduces manual labor in repetitive tasks.
- Cost reduction: Saves paper and time.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of intelligence: Cannot think independently.
- Dependence: Requires human guidance.
- Environment sensitive: Dust, heat, and power outages affect performance.
- Security risks: Prone to viruses, hacking.
- Obsolescence: Hardware and software require updates.
Computer Technology in Law
Technology has revolutionized legal practice.
1. Case Management Software: Manages deadlines, hearings, and case files.
2. Document Management Systems: Enables lawyers to archive and retrieve documents
efficiently.
3. Legal Research Tools: LexisNexis, Westlaw, and local databases ease precedent research.
4. eDiscovery: Managing digital evidence such as emails and phone records.
5. Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive client information from leaks or attacks.
6. Virtual Law Offices: Lawyers offer services remotely through online platforms.
7. AI & Machine Learning: Automates contract review, predicts case outcomes.
8. CRM Software: Tracks client interactions and appointments.
9. Billing & Accounting: Generates invoices, tracks hours, and ensures compliance.
10. Communication Tools: Email, Zoom, and Teams facilitate virtual hearings.
Legal institutions worldwide, including Uganda, have increasingly relied on e-filing and
online case tracking systems.
Role, Benefits, and Drawbacks of Technology in Law
Benefits:
- Promotes fairness: Quick access to records improves justice delivery.
- Faster trials: E-proceedings reduce delays.
- Access to reports: Online databases simplify legal research.
- Evidence: Digital evidence admissible in many courts.
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- Reduced congestion: Virtual courts reduce backlog.
- Enhanced communication: Lawyers and clients stay connected.
- Improved documentation: Soft copies preserve evidence securely.
- Transparency: Clients monitor case progress online.
- Collaboration: Teams share drafts in real-time.
Drawbacks:
- Cybersecurity risks: Hacking compromises confidentiality.
- Cost: High investment in software and training.
- Skills gap: Not all lawyers are tech-savvy.
- Technical failures: Power or internet cuts delay cases.
- Resistance to change: Some prefer traditional systems.
- Ethical issues: Privacy concerns over digital data.
- Overreliance: May reduce human judgment in law.
- Digital divide: Rural communities face limited access.
Computer Components
Computers consist of interconnected parts:
- Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone.
- CPU: Central Processing Unit composed of Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit, Registers,
and Cache.
- Memory: RAM, ROM, Cache, Virtual Memory.
- Storage: Hard drives, SSDs, optical discs, USB drives.
- Output Devices: Monitor, printer, speakers, projectors.
The CPU is the brain of the computer, while memory and storage ensure data is accessible.
For law, scanners digitize evidence, and printers generate pleadings and contracts.
Computer Memory
Memory is categorized as:
- Volatile Memory: Temporary, such as RAM.
- Non-volatile Memory: Permanent, such as ROM, HDD, SSD.
Types:
- Registers: Fastest, inside CPU.
- Cache: Between CPU and RAM, speeds processing.
- DRAM, SRAM, DDR: Types of RAM with different speeds and structures.
- PROM, EPROM, EEPROM: Programmable forms of ROM.
Timeline:
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- 1940s: Acoustic delay lines.
- 1950s: Magnetic-core memory.
- 1960s: DRAM, bipolar memory.
- 1970s: EEPROM, semiconductor memory.
- Today: High-speed DDR and SSDs.
In legal practice, memory allows smooth operation of case management software.
Computer Viruses and Security
Viruses are malicious programs that attach to files.
Types:
- Overwrite, Append, Macro, Boot sector, Resident, Non-resident, Multipartite, File infector,
Polymorphic, Stealth, Rabbit.
Other threats:
- Worms: Self-replicating, no host required.
- Trojan Horses: Malicious code hidden in normal programs.
Symptoms:
- Slow performance, pop-ups, system crashes, strange error messages, disabled antivirus.
Prevention:
- Antivirus software (Avast, McAfee, Kaspersky).
- Firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication.
- Regular backups protect legal documents from loss.
Keyboard Shortcuts in MS Word
Lawyers and students save time by using shortcuts:
- Ctrl+A: Select all text.
- Ctrl+C: Copy.
- Ctrl+V: Paste.
- Ctrl+X: Cut.
- Ctrl+Z: Undo.
- Ctrl+Y: Redo.
- Ctrl+S: Save.
- Ctrl+P: Print.
- Ctrl+B: Bold.
- Ctrl+I: Italics.
- Ctrl+U: Underline.
- Ctrl+J: Justify text.
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- Ctrl+F: Find, Ctrl+H: Replace.
These shortcuts improve drafting speed for legal documents.
Conclusion
The study of computer applications in law equips LLB students with critical knowledge for
the modern digital age.
It covers the history, generations, and components of computers, while emphasizing their
impact on legal practice.
Understanding both the advantages and limitations ensures that future lawyers adopt
technology responsibly,
balancing efficiency with ethical considerations.
Computers and law are now inseparable: legal research, drafting, client management, and
even court proceedings depend on ICT.
The 21st-century lawyer must therefore be both legally competent and technologically
literate.
