Its implementation will resolve several legal issues immediately and quickly at minimal cost
The rule of law presupposes the employment of a sufficient number of judges who are able to provide results to the citizens who go to court to resolve disputes or problems. However, the question that is constantly being asked is how much time and how much money is required to realise this citizen’s right to effective access to justice? Could technology and its continuous development help legal practice and justice in civil cases through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and is this feasible?
The answer is that AI can do a lot and solve many legal issues, directly and quickly, at the least cost. Using it to create appropriate systems, tools and drafting rules, will be very useful in the legal world for performing basic tasks, such as drafting contracts, analysing the provisions of the law and case law, and even evaluating the testimony given before a court.
Its use will significantly reduce the number of lawyers and judges, since one or two lawyers or judges will be enough to resolve disputes.
Advantages of using AI
Both legislation and case law are now found and read not by searching through volumes of books, but with the click of a button. By using key words, the lawyer and the judge find everything in real time.
The application of artificial intelligence will immediately offer solutions and answers to legal questions, without much effort, except for some control of what it comprehensively offers. It has the ability to provide the user with legal documents, advice or texts, and even advertisements, through specific data and information. It is natural for the legal world to be excited about its development and speed, as are officials of the judiciary.
To issue a court decision today takes several months until the judge studies the case file, testimony, legislation and case law, to be able to proceed to an evaluation, subjection of the facts to legal consideration, judgment and decision.
By utilising the tools offered by AI, it will be possible to prepare a court decision in a matter of days, after checking and reviewing, when all the testimony is before the judge in writing. Where required, witnesses can be heard in the form of cross-examination and written statements can be prepared using artificial intelligence.
Usefulness of AI
A lawyer using AI will ensure that they select and utilise the documents and key facts, as well as the legal issues involved in a case, in a way that could best help their client. They will therefore save valuable time and be better able to offer the client the best possible service.
It is time for judges to write guidelines for the proper use of AI to make them more productive. Using AI to analyse the testimony given before them and comparing it with all the evidence in the case can identify errors, omissions and even untruths, leading them to a correct conclusion and decision in real time.
The human desire of each party to be heard and express their feelings is not nullified by the use of AI. On the contrary, the possibility could arise where it is necessary for the party or witness to be heard and the court to be strengthened and assisted with their evaluation using AI.
Technology offers a real revolution that is expected to be used positively and usefully to fill the gap in law and justice. Countries such as England, whose legal system Cyprus follows, have introduced artificial intelligence into the courts in the context of the administration of civil justice and have already registered the first guidance for its use. Lawyers are acting accordingly, using the possibilities offered by artificial intelligence for immediate and rapid results in their own field.
George Coucounis is a lawyer specialising in Immovable Property Law, based in Larnaca. E-mail: [email protected], tel: 24818288
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