The Emergence of Artificial Intelligence in Law
As advancements within legal technology continue to evolve, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has forced legal industries to adapt their way of conducting business in line with the ever-changing online platform. The concept of a world led by artificial intelligence continues to edge closer within the realms of reality, as the prevalence of technology in the legal sector has seen a dramatic shift in the way the industry functions. Whilst this has accelerated already existing trends within the legal community, such innovative forms of online legal conducts are not only permanently changing the way different types of business are conducted, but is also making the overall process more efficient.
Machines as Inventors and AI Judges
Historically, there has been an intrinsic focus on human inventorship regarding new patents for inventions. Under patent law, human ingenuity has been recognised as a cornerstone feature of novel inventions. In the recent case of Thaler v Commissioner of Patents [2020] the DABUS intelligence system was ruled to qualify under the definition of an inventor. This was a transformative decision, perceiving an AI machine as capable of inventing in the same capacity as human inventors, where the possibilities of future creations become limitless with the acceptance of AI inventors within patent law. Following such a ruling, it will be interesting to see which countries follow and consider the possibilities of machine system inventors.
The continuation of artificial intelligence developments in the legal sector continue to expand further, with countries such as China trialling the first non-human judges in the Hangzhou Internet Court, being tested first in small groups. Whilst still in its developmental stages, the possibilities of this advancing into a valid alternative to human legal counsel continue to grow, as online legal action becomes more accepted and widely used in society following the pandemic.
This creates room for the possibilities of artificial intelligence judges, mediators, and even perhaps lawyers, where the online sphere and machines can be used to undertake the more menial jobs in these roles that extend to lawyer-client interactions. Could this potentially diminish the need for human judges and lawyers in the long run? Whilst this does offer a viable alternative, enabling lawyers to conduct client meetings from anywhere in the world, AI will struggle to replace the more unique aspects of human interactions such as the ability to recognise body language and differing tones in language.
Where Does This Leave Us?
Such pioneering advancements in the field of legal technology should still be approached with caution. The rate of technological progression, currently expanding rapidly, must not be rushed as such online legal developments still need quality control which only becomes more complex in the online sphere. It must be recognised though, that such advancements contribute positively to the socio-technological sector and improve the way that businesses operate. Increasing numbers of leading commercial law firms are also adopting the use of AI and automated technology to provide efficient strategies and offer their clients more innovative legal solutions. It would seem that implementing artificial intelligence systems into a business’s approach is the way forward. The extent of this unique interaction in the legal tech industry is likely to continue to progress at an expansive rate and whilst the capabilities of future inventions is yet unknown, it will likely surpass our expectations.
by Foziah Syed