Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Law

New technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), is driving change in society and business. AI’s rapid advancement impacts on legal practice, and it is arguably no longer a question about whether lawyers should use technology but rather exactly what technology they should choose and the degree of knowledge they should have.

In a first for Brief, the cover was generated with AI via ChatGPT and this special feature section showcases two articles on the law, one by a former lawyer and the other by ChatGPT – with a challenge to readers as to whether they can tell who wrote each item. It is accompanied by Dr Jessica Henderson’s exposition upon the background to the segment.

The feature further explores the uses and implications of AI for the legal profession, with Professor Michael Legg’s insightful discussion on how ethical responsibilities both limit and require the use of AI; Professor Jeannie Marie Paterson on Facial Recognition Technology; Professor EJ Wise on the extent to which the law of war apply to cyberspace; and David Wilson on why copyright law seems ill equipped to deal with AI technology.

No-one knows how technology will develop in the future. The one certainty is that data-driven “AI” technologies are only going to become more prevalent, meaning that just as lawyers need to keep up with changes in the law, lawyers need to keep up with changes in technology.

Importantly, a good understanding of the human rights and ethical concerns raised by the proposed use of the technology will be necessary to give sound advice to clients or governments about their use, as well as ensuring responsible and effective regulation of them.

26 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Law

28 Behind the Articles by Jessica Henderson

30 Lawyers’ Ethics and the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Services by Michael Legg

34 Facial Recognition Technology Used by Private Firms in Public Spaces: Privacy, Surveillance and Reform by Jeannie Marie Paterson

38 Technology and the Law of War by EJ Wise

41 Copyright and Generative Artificial Intelligence by David Wilson