Introduction:
We live in a digital era, where there is a lot of importance given to technology. People all across the world are extremely reliant on technology, using it for a wide range of activities. Ranging from simple, everyday actions like cooking or bathing, to much more complex ones like computer programming, technology has become a crucial part of society. The evolution of technology and its growing popularity has led to the emergence of various categories under the broad umbrella of technology, such as electronic, mechanical, medical, and much more[1]. The numerous technological tools under these categories help to mimic, enhance, or simplify the actions of humans.
However, in recent years, the world has witnessed some phenomenal developments in the field of technology. It has now evolved to the point where technology is being programmed to mimic not only the actions. But also the intelligence and thinking of humans. This particular branch of technology has come to be known as ‘artificial intelligence’. The term was first coined in 1956, and refers to “the simulation of human intelligence in machines. That are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.”[2] While it may not function exactly like a human brain and possess human intelligence, artificial intelligence has developed to a stage where it can perform certain human functions such as understanding and analyzing information, and applying this information in problem-solving.
Artificial intelligence has a wide range of applications in various fields, much like the different categories of technology. From medical treatments, to self-driving cars, to user-based virtual assistants like Siri, to financial predictions. Artificial intelligence has grown widely popular and has proven to be extremely efficient and perceptive in such matters. While it does have a broad range of applications, artificial intelligence; may not necessarily be applicable in all fields of work. AI has proven to be useful in functions involving logic, reasoning, and data analysis. But the one feature separating AI from humans is emotions.
There are a lot of jobs that require an emotional connection, which AI will be unable to provide. These include jobs in the fields of psychology, art, and education, amongst many others. However, we can see that AI still performs many functions in these jobs. It is exceedingly popular, despite the lack of an emotional connection. One such field where the popularity of AI is on the rise, is the field of law.
Artificial Intelligence in Law
When we talk about the application of technology in law, we can see that it plays a different role in each department of the legal system, thus making the system more efficient, as a whole. Similarly, artificial intelligence also has applications in various departments of law, performing different functions in each sector. Artificial intelligence can be further categorized into two types: weak AI and strong AI. The basic difference between them is that “Strong AI-powered machines have a mind of their own. They can process and make independent decisions, while weak AI-based machines can only simulate human behavior.”[3]
Due to the nature of the field, the law mainly uses weak AI to assist in the functioning of the legal system. This includes using AI only for performing basic functions such as reviewing and drafting documents, as well as legal research. One of the most popular uses of AI is in contract review. While the negotiation and details of the contract are handled by lawyers and their clients, companies have developed; AI systems that help in reviewing and analyzing the completed contract, a process that usually costs lawyers a lot of time. AI helps lawyers in completing this part of the contract. Thus freeing up lawyers to handle other procedures that require human attention.
Another popular use for AI is in the form of prediction technology; which helps in predicting the outcome of cases before they are decide. In these matters, AI can determine the outcome of cases; in addition to identifying documents that could potentially be detrimental to the case. Furthermore, it also helps in observing and calculating how judges are likely to react to and rule on certain issues. Thus helping lawyers to prepare litigation strategies accordingly to overcome this. Early models of this type of AI have proven to be extremely effective. When a team of professors develop an AI, in 2004, and compare its predictions to the predictions of a team of experts, the “statistical model by the researchers prove to be a better predictor by correctly forecasting 75 percent of the outcomes compar to the expert’s 59 percent accuracy.”[4]
Lastly, AI is used in several organizations for tasks such as drafting documents, legal research, and billing. The automation of the document drafting process has drastically reduced the period; within which documents are prepare, in many law firms. It also greatly helps in filling out or creating applications. Thus saving plenty of time and reducing the workload for lawyers. Legal research is also much simpler and quicker, with the use of AI. It can efficiently filter out irrelevant material and pinpoint useful information. Finally, AI is extremely useful in billing clients. As it significantly speeds up the billing process, thus being able to handle more clients within a short timeframe, in addition to reducing paper costs.
Critical Analysis
Artificial Intelligence has been developed and has evolved to an extent where it has changed our lives as we know it. Many of these changes have proven to be exceptionally advantageous to society as a whole. Firstly, the biggest positive impact that AI has had is the drastic increase in the efficiency, speed, and amount of work accomplished. AI works very similarly to humans, except that it is much quicker and can analyze, filter, and process much more data than humans.
Secondly, the quality of research conducted by AI is much quicker and much more efficient. Due to its capable data processing and filtering skills. The speed at which it filters out unnecessary information and retains only relevant material. Also something that far surpasses the capabilities of humans. The electronic billing process is very effective while dealing with a large number of cases and clients. Additionally, this also helps firms and organizations financially, as it leads to a large reduction in paper costs. The drafting and reviewing skills of AI are very efficient and speedy, as they can process information much quicker than humans, and can produce completed documents and applications within a very short time. This has also often led to fewer mistakes, as AI is very proficient in spotting errors and correcting them, thus eliminating the number of human errors.
The predicting function of AI is remarkable, as it has yielded results that far exceed even those of well-renowned experts. The accuracy of the predictions produced by AI has proven to be much more accurate, due to its ability to skillfully analyze all characteristics of the case and determine the most probable outcome. This helps several lawyers to tailor strategies according to the conclusion foreseen by the AI, allowing them to produce better outcomes.
However, these could also be consider possible drawbacks of AI. Firstly, there have been many concerns that AI can take over, thus depriving several people of their jobs. This is a universal concern when it comes to technology and AI, as this situation could hold in any field of work. Additionally, while it is true that it does drastically reduce the element of human error, technology is not perfect, which could lead to technical errors. This could potentially have much more severe impacts than that of a human error.
Secondly, and most importantly, AI as we know it today. It is not develop enough to be able to handle cases and functions which involve emotions, quick thinking, strategy, and people skills. In the field of law, there is a certain human element to dealing with any matter, be it litigation, negotiation, arbitration, dealing with clients, or drafting documents. The removal of this human element would be something undesirable, as it would defeat the entire purpose of human contact with clients, other lawyers, and judges. Furthermore, during legal research; there are several seemingly irrelevant cases and other information that AI might disregard. But humans might be able to use it to their advantage. Since these are weak AI, they cannot be compared to the human brain, and are thus less efficient in this regard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI is an exceedingly competent tool, when used in the right place, by the right people and at the right time. They have several advantages, which have led to much more efficient results being produced by lawyers while simultaneously ensuring the well-being of their clients. However, AI has its demerits, which cannot be ignored, as they can severely impact the future of our society.
Numerous law firms have begun to employ AI in various tasks, as mentioned above. While this certainly has produced better results, it has proved to be ineffective in various situations. In the end, clients look to lawyers for legal advice, not AI, simply because while AI might be able to mimic the qualities of the human brain, it falls short in many aspects. While AI relies purely on logic and algorithms, humans rely on much more, such as reasoning, emotions, sense perception, intuition, imagination, and much more, which AI could never be able to mimic.
The best way forward would probably be to gradually implement AI in small tasks and restrict its use, rather than aim for a large scale implementation of this technology. Furthermore, there are neither enough laws which govern or restrict the use of AI, nor impose any liability upon it. Implementing such laws regarding AI could be extremely effective in the incorporation of AI into fields of work.
Stephen Hawking once said that “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race. It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever-increasing rate. Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete, and would be superseded.”[5] Thus, one can only hope that humans will take the necessary precautions to not allow AI to take over, will implement restrictions for its use, and will use it effectively. This will possibly result in a world where AI could co-exist with humans, and both could work side by side to ensure a better future for society.
References:
[1] Wood, D. (2016, March 25). What Is Technology? – Definition & Types – Video & Lesson Transcript. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-technology-definition-types.html
[2] Frankenfield, J. (2020, March 13). How Artificial Intelligence Works. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/artificial-intelligence-ai.asp
[3] Magazine, E. (2020, February 06). Strong vs. Weak Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from https://e3zine.com/strong-artificial-intelligence/
[4] Faggella, D. (2020, March 14). AI in Law and Legal Practice – A Comprehensive View of 35 Current Applications. Retrieved from https://emerj.com/ai-sector-overviews/ai-in-law-legal-practice-current-applications/
[5] Balaganur, S. (2020, June 02). Ten Famous Quotes About Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved July 04, 2020, from http://analyticsindiamag.com/ten-famous-quotes-about-artificial-intelligence/
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