Legal Literacy
Legal literacy refers to the understanding of basic legal principles, rights, and obligations relevant to a professional context, such as software development. It involves knowledge of laws and regulations that impact technology work, including intellectual property, data privacy, contracts, and compliance requirements. This skill helps developers navigate legal risks and make informed decisions in their projects.
Developers should learn legal literacy to ensure compliance with laws like GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA when handling user data, and to protect intellectual property in software creation. It is crucial for roles involving open-source licensing, contract negotiations, or building products in regulated industries like finance or healthcare, reducing legal liabilities and fostering ethical practices.