Title: Lawyer Evaluates ChatGPT’s Law-Writing Capability in Domestic Violence Legislation
A recent study conducted by Associate Professor Guzyal Hill from Charles Darwin University (CDU) explores the intriguing question of whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) can effectively write laws. Professor Hill utilized ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, to compare, analyze, and generate domestic violence legislation, collaborating with the Australian Law Council to assess the quality of the AI’s legal drafting.
Domestic violence is a deeply complex issue with significant human implications. With the rise of AI technology, Professor Hill saw the opportunity to investigate whether AI could play a role in developing successful recommendations and legislation in this crucial area. As she states, Domestic violence represents a complex human problem, with up to 50 women dying every year in Australia alone.
After conducting multiple tests and comparing the results with the definition produced by the Australian Law Council, Professor Hill concluded that human drafting still surpasses ChatGPT’s capabilities. Nonetheless, she found ChatGPT to be highly valuable in classifying and identifying underlying patterns of various forms of domestic violence.
It is essential to note that although ChatGPT and similar language models can provide useful insights, they should never be relied upon by non-lawyers for legal advice. Many of the references made by ChatGPT pertain to U.S. law, which differs from Australian law. To address this discrepancy, ChatGPT now includes a disclaimer stating that it cannot offer legal advice.
Professor Hill, an experienced lawyer and former legislative drafter, emphasizes the need for legal professionals to upskill in the field of AI. Ignoring or evading AI can lead to unpredictable drawbacks and missed opportunities, such as making critical mistakes in AI usage, failing to shape the development of law with the emergence of AI, and allowing non-legal experts to develop solutions that disregard fundamental human rights or contradict core principles of the rule of law.
While AI undoubtedly poses risks and threats if not properly regulated, lawyers and law students should approach it with practicality, caution, and curiosity. At present, AI systems augment human acuity rather than replace legal analysis and reasoning. Therefore, legal professionals have a unique opportunity to explore and inhabit this new AI domain, potentially transforming the practice of law globally.
This research opens up avenues for further exploration regarding AI’s role in the legal profession. Associate Professor Hill advocates for ongoing research to fully understand AI’s potential within the legal field and its impact on the way law is approached and practiced.
As AI continues to advance, it is crucial for legal professionals to adapt and remain informed of its developments. By doing so, they can effectively harness AI’s potential while ensuring it aligns with the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
In conclusion, the study conducted by Associate Professor Guzyal Hill sheds light on the current capabilities and limitations of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in the context of law-writing. While further advancements are necessary, exploring AI’s potential can lead to transformative changes in the legal landscape. Legal professionals must embrace AI responsibly, considering the balance between human expertise and technological augmentation in shaping the future of the legal profession.
