The use of AI in Legal Education: Superhero or Villain?
Linda Telai, Victoria University
Abstract
Comparing a Marvel blockbuster movie script to language used within Law Schools is not the norm. However, in a rapidly changing world, terminology, such as Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models, Chatbot and adaptative algorithm, have been unleashed upon the legal fraternity, leading one to ask; Will technology replace the ability of law students to think for themselves or indeed will Iron Man appear, destroy the threats that AI presents, saving future generations of law students from the scourge of AI?
This paper will explore the role that AI has in legal education from a student’s perspective. These perspectives and reflections will be drawn from data obtained by way of student surveys, conducted within three Law Schools*. Student responses to questions such as - What do you think AI is? What role should AI have in legal education? Do you think using AI is cheating? Why would you use AI? Is AI within legal education, a Superhero or Villain? – will be analysed, with institutional similarities and differences considered. It is important to remember that not long ago, the use of Learning Management Systems revolutionised legal education. Villain or Superhero? Does embracing technology signal the death knell for academics? Or is there a silver lining where the academic remains the Superhero keeping the Villain, AI, in check?
* Survey Sample: 30 random students, 10 per university, Year 1-4, from three Law Schools: Victoria University, Australian Catholic University and Deakin University, Melbourne.
Biography
Linda Telai is an academic staff member and PhD candidate at Victoria University, College of Law and Justice. Linda is passionate educator, teaching Constitutional Law, Indigenous Law and Public International Law. Holding double degrees in Economics and Law, her early career saw her work for NGOs and for the International Red Cross as an economic researcher. After many years of working in the private sector, her focused shifted to academic publishing, accepting a position with Oxford University Press, Australia. Here her passion for the law was re-ignited. Currently, Linda is in the final stages of her PhD research, her thesis examining models of Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous People, with a focus on the Sami Parliament in Norway and Australia.