ChatGPT, I have a legal question? The impact of Gen AI tools on law clinics and access to justice

Ryan, Francine and Hardie, Liz (2024). ChatGPT, I have a legal question? The impact of Gen AI tools on law clinics and access to justice. International Journal of Clinical Legal Education, 31(1) pp. 166–205.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19164/ijcle.v31i1.1401

Abstract

The launch of ChatGPT in November 2023 will perhaps be come to be one of the defining moments in our relationship with technology. The rapid pace in which generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is developing and the rate in which it is being adopted, is transforming how we interact with technology, and poses new risks and challenges. As Gen AI tools such as ChatGPT are used by non-lawyers, this article explores the implications of Gen AI in the provision of legal advice. This research examines the performance of Gen AI tools in providing legal information and advice in response to commonly experienced legal problems and finds there are significant errors and mistakes with the responses it produces. There is a critical need to improve access to justice and this article explores the implications for non-lawyers in using Gen AI tools and considers the risks of reliance on Gen AI advice. The article goes on to examine the utility of Gen AI in clinical legal education to consider whether there is a role for responsible use of Gen AI in law clinics. It suggests the adoption of Gen AI tools has the potential to increase the capacity of law clinics, and enhance employability skills, but law schools need to be cognisant of the risks of Gen AI.

Plain Language Summary

An article that explores the impact of generative AI on access to justice and law clinics.

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