Comment 8: ChatGPT and the “AI”pocalypse

The ABA Rules of Professional Conduct, Model Rule 1.1 Comment 8 requires, “To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer shall keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.” To that end, we have developed this regular series to develop the competence and skills necessary to responsibly choose and use the best technologies for your educational and professional lives. If you have any questions, concerns, or topics you would like to see discussed, please reach out to e.koltonski@csuohio.edu.

Have you ever had one of those months where you’re being pulled in a thousand directions and just can’t seem to get everything done? That’s been my month. With all the talk of ChatGPT and AI in the news, it seemed like a great topic to cover but I just couldn’t manage to get everything together. Instead, I chose to use ChatGPT.

The following is the prompt that I gave ChatGPT and the response that it gave me. I made no changes to the chatbot’s response, even though it did go thirty-seven words over my target.

Next month, we will look more closely at chatbots and AI and get a better understanding of the topic. Take it away, ChatGPT!

My prompt:

“Write a 300 word essay about how technology has changed the United States legal system in the 21st century. Cite two information sources in APA format.”

ChatGPT’s response:

Technology has revolutionized the legal system in the United States in the 21st century. The widespread adoption of technology has changed the way the legal system operates, from the way legal research is conducted to the way trials are held. This has led to increased efficiency and improved accuracy in the legal system.

One of the key ways technology has changed the legal system is through the use of electronic databases for legal research. Attorneys no longer have to spend countless hours combing through paper-based legal books and journals. Instead, they can now quickly search for relevant cases and laws using online databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw (National Center for State Courts, 2017). This has made legal research faster and more efficient, allowing lawyers to make informed decisions more quickly and with greater accuracy.

Another way technology has changed the legal system is through the use of electronic filing systems. Courts now have the ability to receive, store, and manage legal documents electronically, reducing the need for physical filing systems and increasing the speed and accuracy of the process (National Center for State Courts, 2017). This has allowed the legal system to become more efficient and has reduced the chances of errors and delays in the legal process.

In addition to these changes, technology has also had a significant impact on the way trials are conducted. The use of video conferencing and other technological tools has allowed for virtual trials, which have made the legal process more accessible and convenient for everyone involved. This has also made it possible for legal proceedings to take place in a timely and cost-effective manner, even in cases where the parties involved are located in different parts of the country (National Center for State Courts, 2017).

In conclusion, technology has had a profound impact on the legal system in the United States in the 21st century. It has increased efficiency and improved accuracy in the legal process, and has made the legal system more accessible and convenient for everyone involved.

References:

National Center for State Courts. (2017). The Impact of Technology on the Legal System. Retrieved from https://www.ncsc.org/topics/court-management/impact-of-technology-on-the-legal-system.

Kane, E. (2021). How Technology is Revolutionizing the Legal System. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/elenakane/2021/03/22/how-technology-is-revolutionizing-the-legal-system/?sh=23f2a84a3c3d.