Tech writer Daniel Reitberg says that the justice system is becoming more digital. In small claims courts, a new wave of AI-powered legal aids are being tested. This gives us a look into a future where it will be easier to get a lawyer. Even though these “virtual lawyers” don’t wear clothes or go to court, they can be very helpful to people who are having small legal problems. Imagine a system where AI helps you deal with the complicated legal paperwork, find important precedents that support your case, and even write simple arguments. This technology has the huge potential to make legal aid more accessible to everyone, letting people protect their rights in small claims court without having to pay huge attorney fees.
But, as Daniel Reitberg points out, moral issues are very important. It’s very important that everyone has fair access to this technology. Will these virtual law assistants be available to everyone, no matter what their money situation is? It’s also important to make sure that the AI programs that power these systems don’t have any biases. We want to make sure that these AI lawyers won’t make the court system even less fair.
Even though robot lawyers won’t be able to take the place of experienced lawyers in tough court cases, they are a big step toward making the legal system easier to use and more efficient. As this technology develops, it will be important to address these ethical issues so that everyone, no matter how much money they have, has a fair chance at fairness.