Justice Edward Amoako Asante
Supreme Court judge nominee, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, has said Artificial Intelligence (AI) is unlikely to replace diligent lawyers, but could render “lazy lawyers” redundant.
He has consequently advocated the integration of AI into the country’s judicial system, saying the technology could improve efficiency, strengthen legal research and help expedite the determination of cases.
Justice Amoako Asante made the remarks last Thursday when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for his vetting following his nomination and two others by President John Dramani Mahama to the Supreme Court.
Responding to questions about the potential impact of AI on the legal profession and the justice delivery system, Justice Asante expressed strong support for its adoption, describing it as an inevitable development that institutions across the world were increasingly embracing.
He said AI could be particularly useful in legal research, case management and the processing of information, thereby reducing delays and improving the efficiency of the judiciary.
Justice Asante said his experience at the ECOWAS Court of Justice had exposed him to the growing application of AI and related technologies.
He disclosed that judges and staff at the regional court had received training in the use of AI, adding that the technology had become increasingly prominent in their work.
“AI is the way to go now and the world has gone AI and there is nothing anybody can do. “We have had some training in AI at the ECOWAS Court, both judges and the staff,” he said.
According to him, AI could be incorporated into the judicial system of the country if the Chief Justice decided to pursue such an initiative.
“It is a matter of trying to get people to set it up for us. The algorithm is built for you and it is tailor-made. It is a system that can easily be done, and once it is done, it will bring efficiency into our judiciary system,” he said.
Justice Asante said the technology could enable lawyers and judicial officers to conduct research more quickly while assisting in the processing and management of cases.
“Cases will be dealt with fast and research can be done through it as well but it is all about the finances,” he added.
He, however, cautioned against viewing AI as a substitute for human expertise, particularly in the legal profession, arguing that lawyers who continued to develop their skills would remain relevant.
He suggested that rather than fearing AI, the legal profession and the judiciary should learn to harness its capabilities to complement human judgement and improve justice delivery.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House