AI will play a crucial role in legal research and administration, says Justice P.B. Balaji

Following Ex-CJI D.Y. Chandrachud’s statement on 10th August,2024, highlighting that AI can manage routine tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on high-value work, Justice P.B. Balaji, Judge of Madras High Court on 9th November, 2024 emphasized the transformative role AI will play in legal research and administration. However, he cautioned that while AI is here to stay, it cannot replace human discretion in writing judgments, as "it does not have a heart," remarked the Madras High Court judge.

AI in Legal Research: Enhancing Efficiency Without Replacing Human Judgment

Ex-CJI D.Y. Chandrachud’s Perspective:

Speaking at the National Conference on "The Landscape of Technology in Courts in India and the Way Forward" at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy, Ex-CJI Chandrachud highlighted how AI is transforming the legal profession. He noted that AI enables young lawyers to focus on core legal skills such as legal analysis, persuasive writing, and problem-solving by handling routine and repetitive tasks.

“I believe that the transition to Artificial Intelligence will mirror the earlier embrace of technology by lawyers. It will augment efficiency without impacting the foundational skills of our profession,” he stated.

Justice P.B. Balaji’s Views on AI in Legal Research

Justice P.B. Balaji reaffirmed AI’s role in legal research and administration. He stated that AI can assist in summarizing voluminous documents, tagging and listing similar cases, and identifying cases that can be disposed of based on previous Supreme Court judgments. However, he stressed that AI should remain an assistive tool rather than dominate human decision-making.

While launching the book Generative AI in the Courtroom: A Practical Handbook for Modern Justice by Aspire K. Swaminathan and lawyer Anita Thomas, Justice Balaji remarked, “We cannot deny the fact that AI is here to stay. When mobile phones were introduced, there were apprehensions, yet the technology expanded rapidly. AI is undergoing a similar transition, but the key is not to be dependent on AI but to adapt and manage change.”

AI Should Not Replace Human Judgment

Justice Balaji emphasized the important role of AI in improving legal research and case management, noting its ability to streamline judicial processes. However, he warned that AI should not be used to draft judgments, as human judgment is essential. "AI increases efficiency, but it lacks the emotional understanding needed for judicial decisions, especially in sensitive cases like those involving children and domestic violence victims," he said. He highlighted that AI should be a tool to assist the legal community, not a replacement for their critical role in ensuring justice.

AI’s Role in Government Services

Retired IAS officer PWC Davidar, currently an Advisor for Digital and Simplified Governance at the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency, highlighted AI’s potential in government operations. AI can simplify voluminous data management and enhance services such as Government-to-Citizen, Government-to-Business, and Government-to-Government interactions.

Additionally, Dakshinamurthy V. Kolluru, Pro Vice Chancellor at Vijay Bhoomi University, emphasized the need for lawyers to actively participate in shaping AI’s impact across various domains.

Conclusion

AI is undoubtedly revolutionizing the legal and governance sectors by improving efficiency and streamlining processes. However, experts like Justice Balaji and Ex-CJI Chandrachud stress that AI should serve as a supportive tool rather than replace human judgment. The key to effective AI integration in the legal system lies in managing change while preserving the essential human elements of empathy and discretion.

Empower Your Legal Practice with AI – Join Our Free Webinar!

Are you a legal professional looking to boost your efficiency and stay ahead in a competitive field? Discover the power of Lawttorney.AI – the cutting-edge tool designed to streamline legal research, automate tasks, and enhance productivity.

👉 Don't miss out! Reserve your spot in our FREE webinar and experience the future of legal practice today. Register Now