Artificial Intelligence in the legal profession : navigating ethical boundaries and philosophical paradigms

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence into the legal profession presents unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, accuracy, and access to justice. However, this transformation also raises profound ethical and philosophical questions. This paper explores the ethical boundaries of Al deployment in legal decisionmaking, focusing on issues such as accountability, transparency, bias, and the erosion of human discretion. It further investigates the philosophical paradigms underpinning legal reasoning, justice, and the rule of law, questioning whether Al can or should replicate or replace human legal judgment. Through a multidisciplinary approach, combining legal theory, ethics, and technology studies, this research critically evaluates the implications of AI's growing role in legal practice, judicial processes, and the broader justice system. The paper argues for a cautious, principle-based integration of Al that respects the core values of the legal profession while adapting to technological change.