AI Cannot Replace Lawyers’ Judgment or Judges’ Ethics, Says Justice Vikram Nath

Highlights

• Vikram Nath said AI can assist legal work but cannot replace the trained judgment of lawyers or the ethical responsibilities of judges.
• He warned that AI tools must not be allowed to create or “invent” legal principles.
• The judge raised concerns about lawyers citing AI-generated but non-existent court judgments.
• According to him, careless use of AI could harm the integrity of legal arguments and the judicial process.
• He stressed that the correct approach is responsible, ethical and informed use of AI in law.

Artificial intelligence may improve efficiency in legal work, but it cannot replace the expertise and ethical responsibilities of lawyers and judges, according to Vikram Nath.

Speaking at a conference, the Supreme Court judge said that while AI tools can help save time and assist with tasks such as drafting notes or organizing legal documents, they cannot substitute the trained judgment of legal professionals or the moral accountability required in the justice system.

Justice Nath emphasized that technology should remain a support tool rather than a decision-maker in legal proceedings. He warned that allowing AI systems to generate or interpret legal principles could undermine the foundations of the legal system.

Concerns Over AI Use in Legal Practice

The judge also raised concerns about the careless use of AI in legal practice. He pointed to cases where lawyers relied on AI-generated content that cited non-existent judgments or authorities, creating misleading legal arguments.

According to him, such mistakes are not simple technical errors but serious issues that can damage the credibility of court proceedings and weaken the judicial process.

Need for Responsible and Ethical Use

Justice Nath argued that the legal profession must adopt AI cautiously and responsibly. The appropriate approach, he said, is one based on “informed use, ethical discipline and professional standards.”

Legal practitioners must understand the limitations of AI tools and ensure that all information used in court filings or arguments is carefully verified.

Technology’s Role in the Justice System

While acknowledging the benefits of technology, the judge noted that AI can improve access to legal information and increase transparency in some areas of the justice system.

However, he warned that it can also lead to misinformation, misuse and even new types of crime if used irresponsibly.

Ultimately, Justice Nath said the future of the justice system will depend not only on digital transformation but also on maintaining strong institutions and ethical conduct within the legal profession.

Other speakers at the conference included Satish Chandra Sharma and Aparesh Kumar Singh.