AI TO CHANGE LEGAL LANDSCAPE

While Artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in many aspects of the legal process, it cannot yet replace human lawyers and judges. Although artificial intelligence (AI) can assist with research, document review, and other tasks, applying the law, interpreting legal precedents, and making decisions still require human judgement and expertise.

Supreme Court Justice Hima Kohli recently while speaking at an ICICI Bank event said artificial intelligence (AI) should not be viewed as a threat, but as an opportunity to improve the quality of legal practise, because technology has played a significant role in keeping the wheels of justice turning even during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

However, Justice Kohli raised ethical concerns about “accountability, transparency, and the protection of parties’ rights” that may arise with the use of AI in the legal field.She said, “It will be critical to establish clear guidelines and protocols to ensure that justice is served equitably to all parties”.The emergence of artificial  intelligence has sparked some concern among the legal community. Lawyers may be concerned that technology will render their knowledge and skills obsolete.

As Justice Kohli pointed out, AI has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency of legal practise by automating routine tasks, reducing the time required for legal research, and providing real-time access to information. According to her, this could free up more time and space for lawyers to focus on complex and value-added tasks, ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients.Besides, AI systems can analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns and relationships that may not be immediately obvious to humans. It leads to increased accuracy in decision-making and better outcomes for clients.

CJI PITCHES FOR VIRTUAL COURT TECHNOLOGY

Moreover, AI can be used to provide clients with real-time information, personalised recommendations, and virtual legal assistance. According to Justice Kohli, it improves the overall experience of clients and aids in the development of long-term relationships.The incorporation of AI in the legal profession has the potential to generate new business opportunities, such as the development of new legal-tech products and services.

CJI PITCHES FOR VIRTUAL COURT TECHNOLOGY

“The role of AI in shaping the legal world and bringing about positive changes is bound to expand in the coming years,” said Justice Kohli. While emphasising the importance of using AI in the legal field, Justice Kohli stated that the technology would lack human empathy, compassion, and reasoning, which are required for the administration of justice, and that judges would be required for these.

A judge comes to the bench with a wide range of legal and personal experience, and his or her role extends beyond a bookish application of the law.” He is prepared to weigh the facts of a case, comprehend human behaviour, and apply the law to the facts in order to reach a fair and just decision.

AI, no matter how advanced it is, lacks the human empathy, compassion, and reasoning that are required for the administration of justice.The role of judges in an AI-powered Indian judiciary is likely to change and evolve, but their fundamental role in ensuring fairness, impartiality, and the protection of civil liberties will remain constant and unchanged.

The bottom line is that AI will never be able to replace the human values that are deeply embedded in country Constitutions, in institutions of excellence in academia and government, and in civil society.”Let us embrace technology and AI with caution and a firm commitment to the rule of law.

Jay Prakash