Impact of Artificial Intelligence on legal practice in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) a machine-based system used to ease the human work load, has been popular globally and its influence can be seen even in developing countries like Sri Lanka. Although it has dominated areas such as machine problem detecting, calculating and speech recognition, it is questionable whether this sophisticated technology can address the traditional roles of legal practice. The research aims to explore the positive and negative influence of artificial intelligence in legal field. while determining the degree to which this technology should be incorporated in legal sector in Sri Lanka. The research was carried out as a literature survey with a comparatively analysis of other jurisdictions. Currently many countries including USA have used AI based tools such as LawGeex, Ross Intelligence, eBrevia and Leverton in the legal practice due to the efficiency, accuracy and ease of use. Artificial Intelligence can be used even in Sri Lanka for legal research, preliminary legal drafting and codification of law. But according to the prevailing economic and social background of Sri Lanka it will be discriminatory to totally rely on an Artificial Intelligence induced legal system since it may create barriers for equal access of legal support to common masses. Also, excessive dependency on artificial intelligence will be a barrier for innovative legal actions such as Public Interest Litigation since it would not assess the humanitarian aspect. Hence, it is concluded that Artificial intelligence should be used in Sri Lankan legal practice with limitations