ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE- A VIABLE PATH TO REACH THE GOAL IN THE FIELD OF LEGAL DOMAIN BY - DR. ANITA YADAV

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE- A VIABLE PATH TO REACH THE GOAL IN THE FIELD OF LEGAL DOMAIN

 
AUTHORED BY - DR. ANITA YADAV
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
School Of Law, Justice & Governance
Gautam Buddha University
 
 
Abstract
Artificial intelligence is a field of study that encompasses computational techniques for performing tasks that apparently require intelligence when performed by humans. The most important purpose of artificial intelligence is to increase man’s understanding of reasoning, learning and perception. Better understanding is required to build new development tools and to achieve a more mature view of human intelligence than what currently exists.
 
The launch of ChatGPT chatbot and image creation tools such as Dall-E and Midjourney last year brought to centre stage the immense scope of AI, which offers new tools for productivity, invention and discovery, but also warps basic notions of truth,
 
leaving people unable to discern whether the text, images and videos they see are real or synthetic. The use of AI in legal courts around the world has been expanding exponentially, with newer developments emerging on a daily basis. My present paper will focus on the advantages of artificial intelligence in the field of legal domain especially by courts and academics, also emphasis on challenges and suggestions to control misuse of AI “Data-driven systems can perpetuate bias and marginalise the social control mechanisms that govern human behaviour. We should look at science and technology as significant leads to human development, AI image generating software while fascinating could be misused to create deep fakes to mislead, threaten and bully individuals.’’
Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud on Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to perpetuate and amplify discrimination.
 
Key words- AI[ Artificial Intelligence], Computer,Chat-GPT,Midjourney ,Technology.
Introduction
We are living in an era where technology has virtually taken the role of a school, a mentor and even a friend. In every field just clicking one button is enough to create new ideas that are far beyond the imaginations of our ancestors. Artificial intelligence under the penumbra of cyber jurisprudence is not a new concept but its use and demand with the time facilitate the human beings with new tools in form of chatgpt, Bhashini, Alexa, Siri, Teres,drones, driverless car increases in form of dependency on technology. Remembering the old age mythology stories how demons can change their voices and how they do magic by using their powers. But when we are thinking about such kind of demon, one can compare it with Robots that work with their own sensors and processors that make them as powerful as humans at least in specific talks. When we think of the possibility of either a technological malfunction that can make the Artificial Intelligence driven devices turn into rogue machine or the possibility of them being taken over by enemies of the society we are confronting a digital demons who may decide to turn on the creators himself to test how the inventions be more successful than human intelligence. The intelligence of humans should lie in ensuring security by design. When they design the Artificial intelligence based devices before developing such devices it is necessary to adopt some rules and regulations on technical platforms that ensure the safety of  cyberspace .

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

Artificial Intelligence is a term used to describe the adept ability of automated computer systems and the digital algorithms to perform the tasks that would typically require human intelligence. Intelligence is a state grasping the truth, involving reason, concerned with action about what is good or bad for human being, the ability to learn or understand from experience, the ability to acquire and retain knowledge and the ability to respond quickly and successfully to a new situation, use of the faculty of reason in solving problems, directing the conduct effectively. The test of a first rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposite ideas in the mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. This process of learning when adopted and created by human beings into a machine which is not real or natural by applying various scientific and engineering techniques. That is known as ‘Artificial Intelligence’.
 
The term Artificial Intelligence was first used by John McCarthy in 1956 it is used unanimously and widely by all the scientists, engineers and researchers worldwide.[1]
Different researchers have proposed different definitions of AI based on their own study and understanding of the subject. Some of these are given below:
“AI is the automation of activities that we associate with human thinking, activities such as decision making, problem solving, learning….. -
- Bellman,1978
“AI is concerned with designing intelligent computer systems which exhibit the characteristics we associate with intelligence in human behaviour.”
-Barr and Feignenbaum,1981
“AI is the study of mental faculties through the use of computational models”.
-Charniak and McDermott,1985 “AI is the study of how to make computers do things at which,at the moment,people are better”
-Rich and Knight,1991 There can still be many more definitions of AI, it is difficult to define intelligence or Artificial Intelligence and it can be concluded that there is no standardise definition of AI as such,yet it has been accepted that whichever system exhibits the following characteristics/behaviour can be considered as intelligence:
1-      Learning,
2-      Understanding ambiguity,
3-      Handling the complexity,
4-      Responding quickly,
5-      Reasoning,
6-      Inference,
7-      Having vision,
8-      Maintaining knowledge regarding a particular task,
9-      Drawing conclusions from knowledge[2].
 
The term artificial intelligence is also used to describe a property of machines or programs: the intelligence that the system demonstrates. Artificial intelligence is a combination of science and engineering for making machines which behave in an intelligent manner . Many years ago when the first computer that printed the payroll slip would have been considered intelligent because at that time a human being was preparing the payroll, but in today's context it is not an intelligent task. Human beings are intelligent because they possess knowledge about the problem , they acquire more and more knowledge to analyse, to manipulate, to reason and to do so many other things which collectively make us , perhaps, the most intelligent among the species present across the globe. In the present era knowledge is the backbone of AI which uses knowledge of the relevant field are considered as intelligent. That distinguishes an AI program from a normal computer program is the presence of a knowledge component of it.
 

International approach to adopt the Artificial Intelligence tools in legal domain:

Artificial Intelligence will revolutionise the way in which different companies compete and grow across the world by representing a new production factor that can drive business profitability. In order to realise the opportunity of AI, most of the companies in the world are already developing actively in various Artificial Intelligence strategies. In addition, they should focus on developing responsible AI systems aligned with ethical and moral values that lead to positive feedback and empower people to do what they know best such as innovation. To capitalise on this opportunity, the study identifies eight strategies for the successful implementation of AI that focuses on adopting a human-centric approach and taking innovative and responsible measures for the application of technology to companies and organisations in the world. The legal industry is no exception, with law firms and legal departments turning to AI to improve efficiency and productivity, as well as to provide better services to clients. However, the use of AI in the legal industry has also raised concerns about its impact on employment and legal ethics. In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of using AI in the legal industry and examine the potential implications for the future of the legal profession.[3]
 
 
AI systems can swiftly learn from data and commands and adapt their behaviour, making them incredibly powerful tools for innumerable usages and applications. There are different types of AI, as of today, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, robotics etc. machine learning and deep learning algorithms will allow computers to recognise patterns in vast amounts of data and make predictions based on those patterns. Natural language processing enables computers to understand human language and respond accordingly, such as in empathy and informing manner. Robotics combine the hardware and software components that can perform tasks autonomously, such as drones which are used for multifarious purposes.
 

USA

AI-powered tools such as COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Solutions) assist judges in risk assessment by analysing factors such as criminal history, social and economic background and mental health to predict the likelihood of recidivism. The US Sentencing Commission also utilises AI to create and enforce sentencing guidelines for fair and just punishment.
 
The US court system utilises chatbots to offer answers to frequently asked questions about court procedures, schedules and other related subjects to the general public. This helps lessen the workload of court staff and enhances accessibility of information for everyone.
 

China

China's Smart Court system aids judges with AI technology that can analyse past cases and suggest applicable laws and precedents. It can also recommend sentences based on similar cases, allowing judges to make informed decisions and deliver justice quickly.
 
Chinese courts use AI for legal research. The 'China Judgements Online' platform, powered by AI, allows judges to quickly find relevant legal documents.
 

United Kingdom

The UK Ministry of Justice introduced the Digital Case System in 2020 for the crown courts. It offers real-time case updates and remote court participation and allows for the digital submission of evidence to reduce paper usage. The Bar Council's Ethics Committee provides guidelines for criminal law barristers accessing the online portal.
 
 
India
When the “e-Court Project,” a project under the National e-Governance Plan, was announced in 2007, the process of digitising Indian courts got under way. All District and Subordinate Court complexes are intended to be completely computerised and ICT-enabled as part of the e-courts Mission Mode Project, which is being carried out by the Department of Justice in close collaboration with the e-committee of the Supreme Court of India. The Artificial Intelligence Committee was created by the Indian Supreme Court to examine how AI is used in the legal system. The three primary applications for AI technology that this committee has identified are process automation, assistance with legal research, and translation of legal documents. Despite the second phase of the e-courts having been under development since 2015, AI technology has not been applied there.[4] The overwhelming number of cases that are still outstanding across India, where the same information has been made available on the National Judicial Data Grid[NJDG] website is the system's fundamental issue. To examine the use of AI in the judicial sector, the Supreme Court of India formed the Artificial Intelligence Committee and has offered a wide variety of prospective applications. The second phase of the e-courts projects, which have been operational since 2015, is being implemented, and law minister Kiren Rijiju stated that it was necessary to use new, cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve the effectiveness of the justice delivery system.
 
Since 2021, the Supreme Court has been using an AI-controlled tool designed to process information and make it available to judges for decisions. It does not participate in the decision-making process. Another tool that is used by the Supreme Court of India is SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) which translates legal papers from English into vernacular languages and vice versa.Currently, there are no specific laws in India with regard to regulating AI. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), is the executive agency for AI-related strategies and has constituted committees to bring in a policy framework for AI.
 
The Niti Ayog has developed a set of seven responsible Ai principles, which include safety & dependability, equality, inclusivity and non-discrimination, privacy and security, transparency, accountability and the protection and reinforcement of positive human values. The Supreme Court and high courts have a constitutional mandate to enforce fundamental rights including the right to privacy. In India, the primary legislation for data protection is the Information Technology Act and its associated rules. Additionally, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill has been introduced by MEITY, although it is still awaiting formal enactment. If this bill becomes law, individuals will have the ability to inquire about the data collected from them by both private and government entities, as well as the methods used to process and store it.
 

How far Artificial Intelligence helpful for legal system—

1.      Case prediction,
2.      Speed-up legal processes,
3.      Unbiased legal system,
4.      Transcription of Judgements,
5.      Collect legal data analysis.
6.      Generate authentic legal documents.
7.      Making decisions more efficiently.
 

AI-powered systems can analyse massive volumes of data quickly and accurately, saving time and effort on legal tasks. As a result, everyone may have better access to the court system and the legal system may function more effectively.AI can look at a lot of data and analyse trends that human specialists occasionally overlook. Judges and solicitors can provide more accurate outcomes by making clear and informed decisions.AI can help cut down on the amount of cases that are waiting in Indian courts. Judges and solicitors can more easily analyse, evaluate, and interpret data thanks to the technologies’ ability to quickly locate critical information from vast quantities of legal documents. As a consequence, disputes may be settled more rapidly, cutting down on the amount of time needed to resolve cases, which can save the court money and lower the expense of litigation for the public.[5]

 

CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REPLACE THE LAWYER?
By enhancing the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of numerous legal operations including contract review, legal research, and document analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to completely change the legal sector. AI won’t likely completely replace attorneys, though. While AI is capable of carrying out a variety of legal duties, such as document assessment, it is yet unable to give legal advice or make strategic judgements based on intricate legal and ethical issues. Additionally, legal issues sometimes include complex events and human emotions that AI might not be able to manage well.[6]
 
A human touch is also necessary in the legal profession since tasks like client counselling, bargaining, and courtroom representation cannot be performed by AI. It’s doubtful that AI will ever entirely replace attorneys in the foreseeable future. Although artificial intelligence (AI) technology has advanced significantly in recent years and can be used to automate some operations, such as legal research, document review, and contract analysis, it lacks the human judgement, creativity, and interpersonal skills that are required for many legal duties.There are around 47 million pending cases in the courts and more cases are added every year.. A wide range of duties that need legal expertise, analytical prowess, and judgement are also included in the legal profession. These activities frequently need attorneys to apply legal concepts to particular and complicated factual situations, which can be challenging for AI to execute properly and efficiently. Although AI can be a beneficial tool for attorneys to boost productivity and efficiency, it is doubtful that AI will totally replace lawyers. On the other hand, as AI technology develops, it may be more fully incorporated into the legal industry and alter the way attorneys practise. AI systems, unlike trained attorneys, do not have to acquire a licence to practise law and therefore will not be subject to ethical standards and professional codes of conduct. If an AI system provides inaccurate or misleading legal advice, who will be responsible/accountable for it? The developer or the user?
The usage of Ai in the judiciary also poses a problem even if judges retain ultimate decision-making authority. It is not uncommon to become overly reliant on technology-based recommendation due to automated bias.[7]
 
Challenges that can be making artificial intelligence impracticable under Indian legal system:
1.      Bias:- Artificial intelligence (AI) systems may reinforce prejudicial attitudes already present in the legal system, producing biassed outcomes. This is especially true in India, where the legal system already treats marginalised communities unfairly. Analysing the training data and techniques employed by AI systems in detail is crucial to lowering this risk.
2.      Lack of Transparency: AI systems are frequently secretive, making it challenging to comprehend how judgements are made. The judicial system may become less trusted as a result of this lack of openness.
3.      Limited Data Availability: In order for AI systems to function properly, they need a lot of data. It is difficult to adopt AI-powered systems successfully in India since there is a dearth of digital data in the judicial system.
4.      Ethical Issues:The employment of artificial intelligence in civil disputes poses ethical issues related to privacy, autonomy, and accountability. To guarantee that AI is utilised in a responsible and ethical manner, careful examination of these issues is required.

5.      Job Losses: Lawyers and paralegals may lose their jobs as a result of the use of AI in civil trials, as these professionals may be replaced by AI systems. The legal industry, as well as the general economy, may suffer as a result.

 

By enhancing productivity, accuracy, and justice access, the application of AI in legal matters in India has the potential to completely alter the way the judicial system operates. However, there are certain moral and legal issues that must be resolved, such as prejudice and discrimination, a lack of openness, issues with privacy, job losses, and access to justice. To make sure that AI systems are created and used in a way that supports fairness, accountability, and social justice, the legal community, legislators, and technologists must collaborate.
 

Is the use of artificial intelligence impacting the future of judicial decisions?

Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to be used for social good and achievement of the sustainable development goals. Even as it is being used to help address many of humanity’s most critical social issues, its use is also raising concerns about infringement of human rights like the right to freedom of expression, right to privacy, data protection, and non-discrimination. AI based technologies offer major opportunities if they are developed in respect of universal norms,ethics and standards, and if they are anchored in values based on human rights and sustainable development. Since 2021, the Supreme Court has been using an AI-controlled tool designed to process information and make it available to judges for decisions. It does not participate in the decision-making process. Another tool that is used by the Supreme Court of India is SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) which translates legal papers from English into vernacular languages and vice versa.[8]
 
The supreme court of india in february 2023 first time used the artificial intelligence software to start live transcription of hearing and its artificial intelligence committee in 2022 launched the portal called the Supreme court portal for assistance in courts efficiency[SUPACE]. SUPACE was primarily aimed at providing digital infrastructure to further the purpose of the digitisation of the court process with other objectives. The then Chief Justice of India described a system designed to aid a Judge with facts in writing verdicts but cautioned using their own intelligence as an independent Judicial mind with a sense of right and wrong.[9]
 
In case of supriyo vs. Union of india Supreme court of india tests the use of artificial intelligence to transcribe hearing by use of TERES. By using teres software the supreme court began a new system that uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing [NLP] technology to test live transcription of oral arguments. This is the first time in the history of the apex court such a system has been implemented.
 
Generative Artificial Intelligence technologies, such as chatGpt, are often celebrated as transformative forces across various sectors, and are often even perceived to challenge the necessity of human involvement in such sectors. Nevertheless, the legal sector in India has harboured a degree of scepticism towards AI, and adoption is slow. In the case of christian Louboutin SAS & Anr. vs. M/S the shoe Boutique-Shutiq[CS[COMM] 583/2023], the Delhi high court asserted that,in its present state of technological development, AI cannot replace human intelligence in the adjudication process. It emphasised that responses from AI chatbots cannot serve as the basis to adjudicate legal or factual matters in a court of law.
 
Communication components antenna inc. vs. rosenberg hochfrequenztechnil gmbh & co.kg. & ors.[10] [18th february 2021].- Justice Pratibha singh delhi high court remarked that the permissibility of live transcription in the court proceedings is a welcoming technological reform. Transcription ensures permanent record keeping for future reference.
 
The case does not completely prohibit artificial intelligence in the legal arena but defines its use as suitable for preliminary understanding and research. As determined by the Punjab and Haryana high court in case of bail jurisprudence.[11] Generative AI technology like chat gpt or google bard is making things simpler for millions of people. The growth of AI space in recent years has alerted the judiciary and government about its potential misuse and the current level of AI development even the judiciary seems to be a little sceptical of the AI technology.
 
UNESCO’s Judges Initiative Since 2014, UNESCO and its partners have been training judges and judicial actors on freedom of expression, public access to information and safety of journalists, mainly through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). More than 17,000 judicial actors have been trained in Latin America, in partnership with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, as well as in Africa, where UNESCO has partnered with the Center for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Economic Community of West African States.[12]
 
The 2023 SDG Report warns that the promises enshrined in the SDGs are in peril. Although the slowdown in progress towards the SDGs affects all nations, it disproportionately impacts poorer countries because of their limited representation on the global platform. Once more, the growing economic disparity between developed and developing countries, coupled with the unequal effects of the climate crisis, is a significant worry.
 
UN secretary-General António Guterres recently sounded a warning. “Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been.” The world is now witnessing a rise in extreme poverty, a trend not seen in a generation, with projections indicating that 575 million people could still be living in extreme poverty by 2030. We are running out of time, and there is a renewed urgency to act — AI could be our great definer.
 
Conclusion
AI has many potential benefits for society, such as improving healthcare, education, transportation and entertainment. However, AI poses challenges and risks, such as ethical dilemmas, privacy violations, bias, discrimination and security threats.
 
To address these challenges and risks, a global group of AI experts and data scientists has released a new voluntary framework for developing artificial intelligence products safely. The World Ethical Data Foundation (WEDF) has 25,000 members, including staff at tech giants such as Meta, Google and Samsung. The framework contains 84 questions for developers to consider at the start of an AI project.
 
However, with a surge in usage of AI, there is a growing need to have exclusive legislation for the regulation of AI, for eliminating in-built or acquired bias and to address ethical concerns while using it. There are white papers, guidelines and policy in jurisdictions such as UK, USA and EU which target algorithmic impact assessment and elimination of algorithmic biases. The European Parliament recently adopted amendments to its proposed Artificial Intelligence Act. The amendment proposes to include a ban on the use of AI technology in biometric surveillance except for law enforcement, subject to judicial authorization, and for generative AI systems like ChatGPT to disclose AI-generated content. GPAI [The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI is a multi-stakeholder initiative which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.
 
Suggestion
Scope of AI in the term of innovation is endless, nations around the world need to shake hands to create uniform regulations to address the issues, so that a global consensus or regulatory framework on the ethical and responsible use of AI can be adopted.
 
Specific to the legal sector, courts must continue to develop Jurisprudence on the responsible usage of AI in the adjudicatory process, with a focus on striking a balance between adopting AI and preserving the human element of Justice. Taking a cue from the US, the Indian Courts may also enforce mandatory disclosures regarding AI usage, including specifying the name of the AI tool, the manner in which it was employed, and the specific portions that were drafted or researched using it. Further, it is imperative for the legal fraternity as a whole to actively engage in policy discussions concerning the utilisation of AI tools.
 
Need to determine the scope and limitations, ensuring the protection of confidential client data and addressing the risks of entrenched bias that could adversely affect marginalised groups.
 
The G-20 leaders in new delhi 2023, committed to leveraging AI for the public good by solving challenges in a responsible, inclusive and human centric manner while protecting the people’s rights and safety. Such kind of declarations must be strictly followed by all by adopting the anticipatory regulation approach.
 

Abbreviation-

AI- Artificial Intelligence EU- European union
MOOC- Massive Open Online Courses NLP- Natural Language Processing SDG- Sustainable Development Goals
SUPACE- Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in courts SUVAS- Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvad Software
S.C.- Supreme Court UN- United Nation
USA- United States of America UK- United Kingdom
UNESCO- United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation WEDF- World Ethical Data Foundation
 

References-

Books-
1-      Chandra S.S. Vinod, “Artificial Intelligence-Principles and Application’,PHI Learning Publisher.[2022]
2-      Ela Kumar, “Artificial Intelligence”, I.K.International Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.[2008]
3-      Purvi Pokhariyal,Amit K.Kashyap and Arun B.Prasad, “Artificial Intelligence: Law and Policy Implications”, Eastern Book Company,[2023].
4-      Rodney D.Ryder and Nikhil Naren, “Artificial Intelligence and Law -Challenges Demystified”, Law & Justice Publishing Co.[2022].
5-      Stuart Russell and Peter Norrig, “Artificial Intelligence- A Modern Approach”, Pearson education publisher, [4th edition,2022].
6-      Tom Taulli, “Artificial Intelligence Basics- A Non -Technical Introduction”, Apress Publication, [1st edition,2019].
 
Journal/ Magazine
1-      Punjab and Haryana Bar Council Journal, Q-2,2023.[CHAMUL00913|2422]. 2- YOJANA, Volume-67, No.11, November,2023.
2-      The Journal of Robotic Artificial Intelligence & Law, Volume 6, No.4, July-August-2023.
 
Websites
7.         


[1] Ela kumar, Artificial Intelligence,2008[I.K.International Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.]
[2] https://cacm.acm.org/news/275970-growing-public-concern-about-the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-d aily-life/fulltext
[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/law-must-keep-up-with-tech-progress-justice-chandrachud/ar ticleshow/90341606.cms?from=mdr
[7] https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence/risks-of-artificial-intelligence.
[8] Punjab and Haryana Bar Council Law Journal, Q2,2023[CHAMUL00913],2023.
[9] Supriyo@supriyo Chakraborty & Anr. Vs. Union of India, [ Writ Petition[civil] No.1011/2022]
[10] https://indiankanoon.org/doc/48913088/
[11] Jaswinder singh vs. state of punjab[crm-m-22496-2022].