It is no longer a matter for debate to say that digital technology, and in particular, Artificial Intelligence (AI), is set to impact every aspect of our lives, without exception – from the way we live and work, and even how we interact with one another.
The legal profession is not left out the technological revolution currently sweeping across the globe. So it was to be expected that AI would be at the front burner of public discourse at the recently-concluded Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.
NEWSWIRE Law Events Magazine’s correspondent in Enugu reports that among the panel sessions that were convened to explore the phenomenon was one which examined the theme, ‘ DISRUPTIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: The Future of Nigeria’s Legal Landscape & Judicial Process in the 21st Century’. The panel’s objective was to explore the implications of AI for redefining lawyer competency and practice methods, and the recalibration of legal education to accommodate the rising profile of AI. Moderated by Charles Omole , the panel comprised of legal practitioners versed in the AI and digital practice areas, such as Hassana Barnabas-Agbada, Esq ., who was the Lead Speaker; Obele Akinniranye; and Ikechukwu Uwanna (the Attorney-General of Abia State).
In her lead presentation, Hassanah Barnabas-Agbada, Esq., an innovative legal practitioner and technology law expert
who currently serves as the Head of Commercial Operations and Legal Services at Union Systems Limited, began with an analogy: “Imagine a future,” she said, “where a young man’s fate is decided not by a judge, but by a machine trained on the prejudices of the past. Where the corridors of our law firms echo with silence, as the next generation of lawyers is replaced by algorithms. Where justice itself can be hacked, manipulated or rendered unaccountable. This is not science fiction. This is the disruptive power –and the danger–of artificial intelligence in our legal system.”
This challenge, she added, must be interrogated and confronted head-on before it becomes reality. Barnabas-Agbada described AI as a double-edged sword – a force that can democratize access to justice, enhance efficiency and strengthen the rule of law, but also pose risks to privacy, fairness and the very fabric of the Nigerian legal system. She called on the practitioners of law (on the Bench, the Bar and in academia) to lead, to innovate and to ensure that AI technology serves humanity, and not the other way round.
In the course of their wide-ranging discourses and responses to the lead presentation, the panelists shared their respective insights, and reached a consensus on a number of issues, as follows:
– There must be a steadfast commitment on the part of the Nigerian legal community to ensure that the increasing application of AI to legal practice, justice delivery and national security is a force for good; it must expand access to justice, enhance efficiency and strengthen the rule of law.
– While AI is welcome, the panelists said, it must be undergirded by necessary safeguards in order to avoid the unpleasant consequences of unchecked power.
– In the legal sector, disruptive AI can automate tasks that were previously the exclusive domain of lawyers and judges; change the way legal services are delivered, making them faster, cheaper and more accessible; and challenge traditional business models and hierarchies within law firms and courts.
– The speed and pace of AI adoption in legal systems and jurisdictions around the world, such as China, India, South Africa, the US and the UK, shows that AI is already reshaping the global legal landscape in many profound ways, and the Nigerian legal system must follow suit, or risk dwindling into irrelevance.
– The transformative power of AI on legal systems is manifesting in very obvious ways; AI technology holds the promise of expanding access to justice especially in societies where a significant proportion of the population cannot afford legal representation.
– AI-powered chatbots and online platforms can provide basic legal information, help with document preparation and guide users through legal processes.
– AI is also transforming legal education. Law schools in many jurisdictions are beginning to integrate AI and legal technology into their curriculum, thereby preparing the next generation of lawyers for a digital future. Also, online platforms offer courses in legal technology, data analytics and AI ethics, enabling lawyers to upskill and stay relevant. Nigerian lawyers, judges and scholars must take advantage of, and maximize, these resources.
– The judicial process also forms the bedrock of the rule of law. To safeguard judicial integrity, however, the panel insisted that it was essential to regularly audit AI systems for bias and errors; ensure that AI systems are transparent and explainable; provide judges with training on the strengths and limitations of AI; and establish clear guidelines on the use of AI in judicial decision-making.
– The panel identified as a major challenge the quest to strike a balance between leveraging AI for national security, and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens.
NEWSWIRE’s correspondent reports that the panel signed out with a call on Nigeria’s legal community as gatekeepers of fundamental rights and freedoms, to ensure that the necessary safeguards around the application of AI are in place, including clear legal frameworks, transparency and accountability, public awareness and engagement, and zero tolerance for the risks of bias, abuse and overreach.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Kelechi Amadi-Obi - Transcending the worlds of Law, Visual Art and Photography". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-MagazineDo you want to be heard, your events covered, your articles published, or need to advertise your products and services on our Blog and Magazine, reach out to us at Newswire Law and Events, you will be glad you did. For more details about our services, please call: 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk
