Research interests:

• artificial intelligence and law
• legal expert systems
• IT law
• court technology
• freedom of information

Bio:

Dr James Popple is the Australian Freedom of Information Commissioner. He is responsible for undertaking merits review of FOI decisions made by Commonwealth ministers, departments and agencies; monitoring, investigating and reporting on compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982; assisting departments and agencies to publish information in accordance with the information publication scheme under the FOI Act; and promoting awareness and understanding of the Act and its objects.

Before being appointed FOI Commissioner in November 2010, James worked for 12 years in the Australian Attorney-General's Department, six years as First Assistant Secretary. Before joining AGD, he was a judge's associate, then Deputy Registrar of the High Court of Australia.

James has degrees in law and arts, and is admitted as a barrister and a solicitor. He is also an Adjunct Professor of the Australian National University (in the College of Law and the College of Engineering and Computer Science) where he conducted his doctoral research in artificial intelligence and law.