Some people call it Algorithmic Governance. I prefer to call it Lex Algomata or (Ley Algomata) because this term highlights two distinctive features of this emerging technology, namely, automation and risk, as explained in 1 and 2, below.
In brief, the Lex Algomata, is expected to automate most of the judicial procedures that are currently executed by humans (e.g., lawyers) to enforce the law.
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Ley algomata: in my serious and direct definition algo stands for algorithm and mata stands for automa. This suggests the use of Automata Theory to model algorithms that will help authorities (normally represented by lawyers) to enforce the law automatically.
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Ley algomata: in my more serious and worringly definition, algo stands for something and mata stands for kill (all in Spanish language). It tries to raise concerns that careless automation of law can cause serious problems including death. Let us not forget that Computer Technology is not free from failures.
The idea behind the first point is illustrated by the Finite State Automata shown in the folloging figure:
The idea behind the second point is illustrated by the following figure:
carlos.molina@cl.cam.ac.uk
Computer Lab, University of Cambridge.