Author: Himani Lenkam, pursuing B.A.,LL.B. from Indore Institute of law DAVV University
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the 21st century and the world of Artificial Intelligence. Yes, you heard it right, the world of Artificial Intelligence, the new dawn of the era, where one spots his device before the sun, may it be a watch or a mobile phone. Every single device today used the contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is nothing but a pretended and automated version of human intelligence, which is made to ease a man's day-to-day work. In simple words, AI is the mechanic or robotic version of Human Intelligence, which is invented to lessen human efforts in everyday chores and save time.
But now AI is rooting and branching itself in every possible field, starting from IT to the legal and educational sectors. No department is now deprived of AI.
In this blog, the Role of AI in the Legal world will be discussed. Firstly, by learning about the history of AI and its emergence in the Legal world to its role and impact in the legal profession and education, summing up with the new ideas to use AI in a more effective way for the better execution of justice delivery mechanism.
HISTORY & EMERGENCE OF AI IN THE LEGAL WORLD
Before the arrival of AI in the legal world, all the documents were drafted and jotted by hand. In the 1970s, with the coming up of the typewriter, a revolutionary change came in. Now the judicial body started using typewriters for document drafting, which is again a contribution of AI. However, technology had started playing its role in the legal field by the mid-20th century. By the 1950s, machines were marketed to law firms, and legal personnel started making use of it to maintain records and other important documentation. In the later 1970s, search engines like LexisNexis and computers started being used too. So this is how AI came into the legal world.
ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LEGAL EDUCATION & PROFESSION
As of now, we have already seen how AI has made its place in the legal world; now, we'll be seeing how it's impacting legal education. Today, every law school is focusing on teaching its students the efficient usage of search engines like manupatra, SCC Online and etc. But why, when the laws and relevant case laws can be found via books and journals, then why use such complicated software?
The reason is the amount of time and effort it would require discovering a minute detail through the old process. The AI makes it way too far easier by providing much descriptive and detailed information through a prescribed citation one provides.
The AI-generated information is always precise, updated, and relevant, which ultimately makes one's research work authentic and up-to-date. Not only that, as the world is progressing, it's moving ahead towards digitalization, where data and records will no more be found in hardcopy anyway, so it is now very important for a future lawyer to understand AI usage and make the most of it, for AI has become a vital character in the legal world today.
ROLE OF AI IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION
With the growing population, disputes and crimes are also growing. To maintain such a high record, nothing can be more favorable than the use of AI. AI is something that is used by almost all law personnel, may it be a lawyer, an advocate, a judge, or a law firm. Every law personnel is using AI for his/her benefit or for timely justice delivery.
An advocate or lawyer is using it for better research work. The judiciary takes the help of AI to deliver justice in a justifiable way by using Lie detecting machine or by ordering a medical examination, the in-camera proceeding. Everywhere AI is being used.
A law firm uses AI to maintain its records and to do its work. From the use of typewriters & MS Word to search engines and high-tech machines, everything is AI, and everything is participating proportionately everywhere in the legal field, playing a vital role in itself.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A WEAPON FOR JUSTICE DELIVERY BOBY
As we are heading towards a much more computerized generation, where everything happens to be handled by one click, the judiciary must also now upgrade itself. The sudden occurrence of covid-19 shaped the entire legal approach into a new mould. The proceeding started taking place via e-courts, virtual hearings, and an e-filing system established.
Software SUVAS (Supreme court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) is launched to translate SC judgments into regional languages. SUPACE (Supreme court Portal's Assistance in Court's Efficiency) is again an AI-generated software made to help judges assist a pending case's relevant facts for dissolving the case and giving judgments.
Lastly, it is the blend of both human skills and Artificial Intelligence which brings in a huge difference because it's the human brain which creates AI, so nothing can replace the original intelligence with artificial intelligence, no matter how forward it may develop.