AI Revolution in Legal Sector: Chatbots Take Center Stage in Courtrooms

ChatGPT Breaks New Ground in Indian Court Proceedings

Artificial Intelligence in Legal is revolutionizing the law sector! In a groundbreaking move, India’s Punjab and Haryana High Court utilized the popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to hear a bail petition. Justice Anoop Chitkara sought ChatGPT’s input on the jurisprudence of bail when assailants have displayed cruelty. The court clarified that referring to ChatGPT was not an expression of opinion on the case’s merits.
ChatGPT provided a three-paragraph answer, offering a comprehensive overview of bail jurisprudence in such matters. The AI chatbot highlighted that the decision to grant bail to assailants who have exhibited cruelty depends on the specific case’s circumstances and the jurisdiction’s laws and regulations.

AI’s Growing Role in Court Rulings Worldwide

This is not the first time AI has played a role in court rulings. In January 2023, Colombian Judge Juan Manuel Padilla Garcia used ChatGPT to make a court decision. Presiding over the First Circuit Court in Cartagena, Judge Garcia utilized the AI tool to pose legal questions about the case and included its responses in his ruling.
While the Colombian court filing indicates that AI was primarily used to expedite drafting the decision and its responses were fact-checked, it is a clear indication that more AI involvement in legal proceedings is on the horizon.

Also Read: India’s AI Leap: Homegrown ChatGPT to Empower Millions

Pioneering Social Entrepreneurs in Legal Tech

Bangalore-based social entrepreneurs Sachin Malhan and Supriya Sankaran have been making waves since founding Agami in 2018. Their innovative approach to legal tech has garnered attention from industry experts and legal professionals alike.

AI’s Potential in Access to Justice

In an interview, Sachin Malhan pointed out the potential of generative AI in democratizing access to justice in India and beyond. Malhan believes that AI can dramatically reduce the cost of legal transactions and level the playing field by helping people understand their rights. Additionally, AI can assist lawyers and individuals in determining if property deeds meet the necessary standards.

Source: Prolawgue

AI’s Promising Future in the Legal Sector

The innovative use of AI chatbots like ChatGPT in legal proceedings demonstrates AI’s immense potential in democratizing access to justice. As AI continues to develop and integrate into the legal industry, it is expected to reduce costs, streamline processes, and ultimately transform the way justice is served for millions around the world.

Preparing Legal Professionals for the AI Revolution

As AI chatbots like ChatGPT become more commonplace in legal proceedings and practice, it is crucial for legal professionals to stay ahead of the curve. Law schools and professional development programs must adapt their curricula to incorporate AI-related skills and knowledge, ensuring that future lawyers and legal professionals are well-equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving legal landscape.

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Ethical Considerations and AI in the Legal Sector

As AI tools become more deeply integrated into the legal sector, ethical concerns surrounding AI’s use and potential biases must be addressed. Legal professionals must develop a strong understanding of AI’s limitations and potential pitfalls to ensure that AI is employed responsibly and effectively. This includes being aware of potential biases in AI-generated outputs and understanding the importance of fact-checking AI-derived information.

Our Say

As artificial intelligence continues to make inroads in the legal sector, from courtroom applications to legal education and skill development, the industry stands at the cusp of a transformation. Pioneers like Sachin Malhan and Supriya Sankaran of Agami, along with progressive legal professionals, are embracing AI’s potential to revolutionize how justice is served and accessed.
The integration of AI in the legal sector presents both opportunities and challenges. Legal professionals can adapt and thrive in this new era by staying agile and committed to continuous learning. Furthermore, the ethical and responsible use of AI in legal practice is paramount to ensuring its positive impact on society.
Ultimately, adopting AI technologies like ChatGPT can create a more just, efficient, and accessible legal system, benefiting both legal professionals and the communities they serve. As we move forward into an AI-driven future, the legal sector must work together to harness the power of AI responsibly and effectively, shaping a more equitable world for all.

K.C. Sabreena Basheer

Sabreena Basheer is an architect-turned-writer who's passionate about documenting anything that interests her. She's currently exploring the world of AI and Data Science as a Content Manager at Analytics Vidhya.