Published Date : 20/01/2025
Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), part of O.P.
Jindal Global University, has made a groundbreaking move by launching India's first Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Law.
The announcement was made during a seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and Law,” which brought together legal scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the rapidly evolving field of AI and its implications for the legal profession.
The seminar was attended by Union Law Minister for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, and JGU's founding Chancellor & Member of Parliament, Mr.
Naveen Jindal.
The event highlighted the profound impact that AI is likely to have on the legal domain, from enhancing legal analytics to addressing ethical concerns.
Mr.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, in his speech, complimented O.P.
Jindal Global University for its foresight.
He emphasized the importance of embracing technology while addressing its challenges.
“We are living in the 21st century, and regressing is not an option.
We must embrace the present and focus on how to use technology effectively while addressing its challenges.
The human element will always remain essential, and if we advance alongside it, technology can assist in many areas, such as resolving pending court cases and facilitating translations,” he said.
The seminar also saw the official launch of the B.A.
programme in AI & Law, designed to bridge the gap between technology and the legal profession.
The course aims to equip students with a deep understanding of AI technologies alongside core legal principles.
Graduates will be prepared for careers in technology law, AI policy-making, compliance, and ethical governance.
In his welcome address, Prof (Dr.) C.
Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P.
Jindal Global University, discussed the five major implications of AI on the legal domain globally
- Promoting Enhanced Legal Analytics AI-driven tools, such as predictive analytics, are transforming the legal profession.
Tools like Lex Machina in the United States predict case outcomes based on historical data, significantly influencing global law firms and legal tech advancements.
These innovations highlight the need to promote the administration of justice through advanced legal analytics.
- Addressing Bias and Discrimination in AI A critical concern globally, and particularly in India, is bias in AI systems.
Tackling these biases is essential to ensure equitable outcomes in legal processes.
- AI in Cross-Border Disputes AI-driven dispute resolution platforms are being used for arbitration, streamlining cross-border trade disputes.
However, this raises concerns about sovereignty, uniform standards, and the implications of AI in international legal frameworks.
- Cybersecurity and Privacy Challenges AI-driven breaches of data security, such as the infamous Pegasus spyware case, have exposed vulnerabilities in legal frameworks for data protection.
These challenges demand a robust response to ensure privacy and safeguard civil liberties in an AI-driven world.
- Automated Law Enforcement The use of AI in surveillance raises significant concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and human rights violations.
It is crucial to address these issues to prevent misuse and maintain trust in legal systems.
Prof.
(Dr.) S.G.
Sreejith, Executive Dean of Jindal Global Law School, shared his vision for the programme.
“Through this, students will be able to comprehend the changes and patterns of change in our society.
They will be able to develop ideas that will shape their future, which will be their reality,” he stated.
Justice Dipankar Dutta, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, observed that the impact of AI on the legal profession is difficult to predict, but it is undeniable that it will change academia, the practice of law, and the delivery of justice.
Mr.
Venkataramani, Attorney General for India, highlighted the need for the traditional relationship between law and technology to evolve to accommodate the fundamental shift in the nature of technology.
Mr.
Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, emphasized the limitations of AI, particularly in legal adjudication, where human judgment plays a pivotal role.
“Legal decision-making is far from being a mechanical or purely algorithmic process; it requires the nuanced understanding, empathy, and discretion of a human judge,” he said.
Dr.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, stated that while AI can automate routine tasks, it cannot replicate the nuanced judgment or ethical considerations that human lawyers and judges bring to the table.
“AI must remain an efficient and obedient servant and never be allowed to become the master.
It should always be viewed as a tool that can augment human capabilities, allowing legal professionals to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work,” he said.
The launch of this programme at Jindal Global Law School aims to position India as a leader in the field of AI and law by fostering teaching, research, capacity building, and training on the intersection of AI and legal studies.
Q: What is the first B.A. programme launched by JGLS in the field of AI and Law?
A: Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) has launched India's first Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Law.
Q: Who were the key speakers at the seminar on AI and Law?
A: The key speakers at the seminar included Union Law Minister for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, JGU's founding Chancellor & Member of Parliament, Mr. Naveen Jindal, and other renowned legal scholars, jurists, and industry leaders.
Q: What are the five major implications of AI on the legal domain discussed at the seminar?
A: The five major implications of AI on the legal domain discussed at the seminar are: 1) Promoting Enhanced Legal Analytics, 2) Addressing Bias and Discrimination in AI, 3) AI in Cross-Border Disputes, 4) Cybersecurity and Privacy Challenges, and 5) Automated Law Enforcement.
Q: What is the role of AI in legal adjudication according to Mr. Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India?
A: According to Mr. Tushar Mehta, AI has significant limitations in legal adjudication, where human judgment plays a pivotal role. Legal decision-making requires nuanced understanding, empathy, and discretion that algorithms cannot replicate.
Q: What is the vision of the newly launched B.A. programme in AI and Law?
A: The vision of the newly launched B.A. programme in AI and Law is to equip students with a deep understanding of AI technologies alongside core legal principles, preparing them for careers in technology law, AI policy-making, compliance, and ethical governance. It aims to position India as a leader in this critical field.