Artificial intelligence in the legal field: NEASA cautions.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE LEGAL FIELD

NEASA CAUTIONS

Dear employer

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made massive developmental strides in recent years and much debate has been had about the suitability of using this resource in any legal field.

In the recent judgment of Mavundla v the MEC: Department of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs KwaZulu-Natal and Others, the risks of utilising AI in legal research were once again highlighted. The Court emphasised a legal practitioner’s duty not to mislead the Court when the Applicant’s attorneys cited case law, which upon further investigation was found to either not exist, or not be applicable to the arguments.

The Court ordered the legal firm to bear the costs of the additional court appearances, and the Legal Practice Council was ordered to investigate the conduct of the legal practitioners involved.

Although NEASA understands the benefits of AI in everyday tasks and is cognisant of its potential uses, we have taken a strong stance against the utilisation of AI with regards to legal research and advice.

Should employers require legal assistance, they should contact either their regional NEASA Office or the National Hotline at 0860 163 272.

For more information

NEASA Media Department

media@neasa.co.za 

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