CJI Surya Kant Urges Law Schools to Use AI Ethically

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advised law schools against completely banning artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in classrooms. He believes that students should be trained to use such tools in a supervised, transparent, and ethical manner.

Speaking at the second edition of the Vice Chancellors' Conclave, organised by National Law University in Jodhpur, the CJI stated that a complete prohibition would leave students unprepared for a legal profession that increasingly relies on technology. He acknowledged concerns that an overreliance on AI could impair students' ability to construct arguments independently, leading them to accept plausible-sounding but legally incorrect answers.

However, he believes that such risks should be addressed through education and supervision rather than prohibition. The CJI warned that by denying students access to these tools, law schools would be sending them into professional life a step behind their peers, unfamiliar with technologies that their colleagues and institutions increasingly expect them to understand.

The CJI stressed that law schools must teach students how to question and verify AI-generated outputs instead of merely learning how to operate technological tools. He stated that students should understand when technological assistance can be relied on, when verification is necessary, and where the line is between using technology to supplement legal judgement and allowing it to replace human judgement.

The CJI suggested that these issues be included in the legal curriculum and pedagogy with the same seriousness as constitutional law and evidence. He stated that technology is rapidly transforming legal practice, including contract drafting, due diligence, legal research, dispute resolution, and evidence handling.

Future lawyers will increasingly rely on AI tools to analyse precedents, identify legal risks, and manage large amounts of data. The CJI called on law schools to lead research and training on topics like algorithmic accountability, data protection, digital access to justice, and online dispute resolution.

He warned that technological progress should not further worsen existing inequalities. AI and digital legal services should be beneficial to litigants outside the courtroom, and law schools have a crucial role to play in ensuring that this is the case.

In conclusion, the CJI's advice to law schools is a timely reminder of the need to adapt to changing technological landscape. By embracing AI and other emerging technologies in a supervised and ethical manner, law schools can ensure that future lawyers are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing legal profession.

The significance of this development cannot be overstated. As technology continues to transform the legal profession, it is essential that law schools and legal professionals are able to keep pace. By doing so, they can ensure that justice is served in a fair, efficient, and effective manner.

Ultimately, the CJI's call for law schools to use AI ethically is a step in the right direction. It recognizes the potential benefits of technology while also acknowledging the need for caution and supervision. As the legal profession continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more emphasis on the use of AI and other emerging technologies in law schools and beyond.