Artificial Intelligence in Law: Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward

Abstract

The artificial intelligence (AI) phenomenon is having a monumental impact on the legal industry, turning it into an environment rich with possibility but fraught with complexity. This Article examines two sides of AI’s embrace by law—its potential to transform law practice for the better, and the corresponding dangers. On the hopeful end of things, AI is now making legal research, document review, contract analysis, and litigation prediction more efficient. It also has the ability to increase justice by offering low-cost legal remedies to underprivileged populations. But growing uses of AI systems present important ethical, legal and practical questions. These include bias, lack of transparency, data privacy and displacement of legal professionals. What is more, the existing laws and rules for emerging technologies potentially fall behind and we are in there are governance vacuum. This article critically analyses these dimensions of the problem and provides a framework to guide responsible and ethical use of AI in legal systems. It highlights the need to develop shared ethics, work across different fields of expertise and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of AI. By balancing innovation and regulation, legal stakeholders can both deliver on the promise of AI, while protecting core legal values and human rights.