Authored By: Ashitha Murugesan
Middlesex University Dubai
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to an integral part of various sectors, including the legal profession. This article explores AI’s transformative impact on legal systems. It aims to critically examine how AI is reshaping legal processes, decision-making, and access to justice while also highlighting the ethical and legal challenges it introduces. Through a comparative analysis, the article evaluates the implementation and regulation of AI in three jurisdictions: the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and India.
The discussion begins with a general overview of how AI intersects with legal practice, outlining key developments and concerns. It then delves into the UK’s experience, highlighting the benefits, such as increased efficiency, digital reform, and risks. The article further analyses the global picture, focusing on the UAE’s AI-led innovation in public services and court systems and India’s progressive but fragmented implementation of AI in the legal sector. By contrasting these jurisdictions, the article sheds light on broader global trends and the need for consistent, ethical regulations.
Ultimately, this article argues that while AI presents remarkable opportunities for innovation in law, it also demands careful oversight to ensure that justice, fairness, and human rights remain at the core of legal systems.
Introduction:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a buzzword among legal professionals. Technological advancements are beginning to reshape the legal landscape in meaningful ways. In recent years, AI has made significant strides in supporting human reasoning and streamlining time-consuming legal tasks. [1] As algorithms grow more advanced and machine learning becomes increasingly integrated into everyday functions, legal professionals are turning to AI tools for tasks ranging from document review to legal research. This article argues that while AI has introduced remarkable opportunities for efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced access to justice, it also presents complex challenges relating to ethics, transparency, and data protection. These challenges are being addressed differently across jurisdictions, reflecting each region’s legal practices, governmental approaches, and technological infrastructure.
To examine this evolving aspect, the article will first provide a broad overview of AI’s role within the legal profession, then analyse its adoption and regulation in the United Kingdom. It then shifts focus to a global perspective, examining the United Arab Emirates and India, two countries where legal technology is evolving at a fast pace. This comparison helps to better understand how different countries are using AI in law and adds to the ongoing global discussion on its role in the legal system.
Overview of Law and AI:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and language processing. In the legal field, AI is being used to automate routine processes, enhance legal research, and assist in document drafting. Alongside, AI and Machine Learning are also transforming how legal professionals and law firms operate. The potential to apply these technologies in legal practice, particularly by developing computational tools to manage legal processes, has intrigued researchers for many years.[2]
One area significantly influenced by AI is administrative law, a dynamic field that governs the actions of government agencies. The integration of AI into administrative decision-making holds great promise for improving efficiency, speed, and accuracy in public administration. However, this advancement also introduces serious ethical and legal concerns, including risks of algorithmic bias and threats to data privacy. While several countries have begun implementing AI in administrative functions, in which some have achieved effective outcomes, others have encountered discriminatory results. However, careful regulation and oversight are essential to ensure that technological innovation aligns with fundamental principles of justice.[3]
For example, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, sets out key rights such as liberty, security of person, freedom from degrading treatment, and equal protection before the law. These principles are directly relevant to administrative decisions, including those made with the help of AI.[4] Furthermore, the integration of AI into legal systems demands adaptation from lawyers, judges, and policymakers, who must balance innovation with fairness and due process.
Impact of AI in the UK law:
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the UK legal system has begun reshaping both public and private legal practices. A survey conducted between November 2019 and January 2020, in collaboration with the Law Society of England and Wales, gathered responses from 353 practising solicitors to examine AI usage in legal practice. The survey revealed that 48% of solicitors were using AI-assisted tools in their work. Among the most common applications, 28% used AI for legal research, 16% for due diligence, and 10% for contract analysis. The successful implementation of AI requires close cooperation between legal professionals and specialists from other fields. Although legal expertise remains essential, the integration of AI is expected to reshape how legal work is organised.[5] AI is changing the profession by automating repetitive tasks like document review, due diligence, and legal research. However, tasks that require creativity, contextual understanding, or direct client interaction, such as bespoke drafting or applying legal judgment, still rely heavily on human lawyers. As a result, AI shifts the focus of legal professionals toward work that leverages their uniquely human expertise.[6]
Nevertheless, the increasing reliance on AI raises critical concerns about privacy, transparency, and accountability, particularly when automated systems process personal data without adequate oversight. A relevant example is the case of Satakunnan Markkinapörssi Oy and Satamedia Oy v. Finland (2017), which, although arising outside the UK, has important implications. While the case arose in Finland, its implications are directly relevant to the UK, where courts are required under Section 2 of the Human Rights Act 1998 to take into account judgments of the European Court of Human Rights when interpreting Convention rights, particularly in matters involving privacy and automated data processing. The ECHR ruled that the mass publication of personal tax data through automated systems, without sufficient safeguards, violated individuals’ rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.[7] Although the case did not involve AI directly, it highlights the potential risks of automated decision-making and data processing tools. It underscores the importance of ensuring transparency, human oversight, and robust legal safeguards when deploying AI. [8]
While AI has the potential to improve legal outcomes by speeding up processes and enhancing data analysis, its deployment must be carefully balanced with legal safeguards to prevent bias, discrimination, or erosion of individual rights.
Artificial Intelligence and the UAE Legal System:
The UAE Federal Decree Law No. 45 of 2021 establishes a comprehensive framework for safeguarding individual privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of personal data. It limits the processing of personal data without the owner’s consent, with exceptions only in cases involving public interest or the execution of legal rights and procedures. [9]Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a key role in the UAE’s pursuit of sustainable development and digital transformation, with the country aiming to position itself as a global leader in AI. Both the Dubai Courts and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department have implemented smart court initiatives, using AI for case scheduling, translation, legal drafting, and even predictive judgments in straightforward matters. Additionally, platforms like Dubai Now and UAE PASS have enhanced accessibility and integration of legal services, supporting the UAE’s broader Smart Government Vision.
These developments reflect the UAE’s commitment to balancing technological innovation with data protection and legal integrity, setting a strong foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused legal system.
The Role of AI in India’s Legal Landscape:
AI’s growing presence across sectors has prompted debate over its role in the legal system, which traditionally relies on human judgment and equity. While the Indian Supreme Court has upheld a human-centred approach to justice, modern courts increasingly adopt AI for data management, online dispute resolution, and predictive judgments. Despite these developments, concerns remain about the reliability and integrity of AI in legal decision-making due to its inherent limitations.[10]
AI processes citizens’ data autonomously, without human involvement, which raises concerns about potential misuse of personal information. This poses a threat to individuals’ right to privacy, as safeguarded under Articles 19(1)(a), 19(2), and 21 of the Indian Constitution. Victims can pursue legal action against offenders under the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, enacted under the IT Act, 2000. The Indian legal system has so far seen limited integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with many lawyers still relying on traditional methods. Given the complexity and evolving nature of Indian law, AI is anticipated to significantly transform legal practice and analysis. It offers legal professionals instant, unparalleled insights into India’s legal landscape, potentially replacing outdated and lengthy legal processes with greater efficiency. AI tools can assist lawyers in delivering more precise and timely advice to clients. Several Indian legal tech startups, such as Pensieve, NearLaw, and Case Mine, are already using AI-driven natural language processing technologies to accelerate legal workflows and enhance accuracy, moving beyond traditional, manual methods. [11] Overall, while AI holds the promise of improving efficiency and accessibility in India’s legal sector, its integration must be approached cautiously, ensuring robust legal safeguards and ethical oversight to protect fundamental rights and maintain trust in judicial processes.
AI and the Law: A Comparative Study of UAE and India:
While both the UAE and India recognise the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in their legal systems, their approaches differ significantly. The UAE exhibits a more proactive, government-led integration of AI, supported by robust legal frameworks and digital infrastructure. In contrast, India adopts a cautious, rights-focused approach, prioritising human oversight and gradually embracing AI through private legal tech innovations. For AI to fulfil its potential in both jurisdictions, each must continue refining its legal safeguards and ensure that technological advancement aligns with the principles of justice, equity, and transparency.
Impact of AI from a Global perspective:
Artificial Intelligence, as a general-purpose technology capable of performing a wide range of decision-making tasks, offers immense potential to transform various aspects of life and contribute meaningfully to solving global issues, including the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, alongside these benefits, many experts warn of the disruptive risks posed by advanced AI systems. These risks could lead to conflict, facilitate oppression, or heighten global tensions, thereby creating complex governance challenges. Such challenges may include significant job displacement and rising inequality, enhanced surveillance tools for authoritarian regimes, more potent and scalable cyberwarfare, and a market structure concentrated in the hands of a few dominant AI players. Additionally, AI could alter geopolitical dynamics, shifting the power balance between democratic and authoritarian nations, and revolutionise military strategies, possibly increasing nuclear and strategic instability.
Scholars have suggested the concept of a law and technological change framework to understand AI’s legal implications. While not all technologies necessitate new laws or litigation, emerging technologies often introduce new entities or behaviours that the law must respond to. According to this view, technological innovation gives rise to four legal challenges: (1) the need for entirely new laws tailored to novel situations; (2) uncertainty over how existing laws apply; (3) misalignment between current laws and new realities (either being too broad or too narrow) and (4) laws becoming outdated.[12] These developments create ambiguity in the legal system, particularly in determining how to regulate new types of conduct enabled by technology.[13]
Conclusion:
Artificial Intelligence is undeniably reshaping the legal landscape across jurisdictions, offering both opportunities and challenges. As demonstrated in the UK, the UAE, and India, the integration of AI into legal systems is not a one-size-fits-all process but reflects each country’s legal tradition, technological capacity, and regulatory priorities. The UK has embraced AI to streamline legal procedures while grappling with concerns of privacy and accountability. The UAE, with its top-down governance model and investment in digital infrastructure, exemplifies rapid, government-driven innovation. India, on the other hand, highlights the importance of cautious implementation, legal reform, and ethical oversight in a diverse and rights-conscious society.
The comparative study underscores the urgent need for balanced, inclusive, and forward-thinking regulation. AI must serve justice, not compromise it. For AI to become a truly transformative tool in law, it must be developed and deployed in ways that uphold fundamental legal principles, transparency, fairness, accountability, and human dignity. As global legal systems move toward greater digitisation, the lessons drawn from these jurisdictions can inform a broader framework that ensures AI strengthens, rather than undermines, the rule of law.
Reference(S):
[1] –, ‘Beyond the buzz in legal AI: what does AI genuinely mean in the legal field?’ (Manupatra) <https://www.manupatra.com/corporate/Blog/AI-in-legal.aspx#:~:text=Artificial%20intelligence%20or%20AI%20is,in%20the%20field%20of%20law.> accessed on 7th May 2025.
[2] Jack G. Conrad, Shirsha Ray Chaudhuri, Shounak Paul, and Saptarshi Ghosh, ‘AI & Law: Formative Developments, State-of-the-Art Approaches, Challenges & Opportunities’, (Proceedings of the 6th Joint International Conference on Data Science & Management of Data, New York, ACM 2023) <https://doi-org.ezproxy.mdx.ac.uk/10.1145/3570991.3571050> accessed on 7th May 2025.
[3] Junaid Sattar Butt, ‘The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Efficiency of Administrative Decision Making including Ethical & Legal Considerations and Comparative Study about Countries Already Incorporated AI for Administrative Decision’ (2023) 19(3) Acta Universitatis Danubius Juridica.
[4] ibid, page 11.
[5] John Armour, Richard Parnham and Mari Sako, ‘Unlocking the Potential of AI for English Law’ (2021) 28 International journal of the legal profession.
[6] ibid, page 77.
[7] Satakunnan Markkinapörssi Oy and Satamedia Oy v. Finland App no 931/13 (ECtHR, 27th June 2017.
[8] Junaid (n 3), page 15.
[9] –, ‘Data Protection Laws’ (UAE Government, 22 October 2024) <https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/digital-uae/data/data-protection-laws> accessed on 7th May 2025.
[10] Rashmi Singh Rana, Sneha Singh, Megha Aggarwal and Manish Badoni, ‘Unveiling the Future: Exploring AI Applications in the Indian Judicial System’, (11th International Conference on Intelligent Systems and Embedded Design (ISED), India, 2023) <https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10444600> accessed on 7th May 2025.
[11] Sheshadri Chatterjee and Sreenivasulu N.S, ‘Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: A Comprehensive Study from Indian Legal and Policy Perspective’ (2022) 64 International journal of law and management 110.
[12] Lyria Bennett Moses, ‘Recurring Dilemmas: The Law’s Race to Keep up with Technological Change’ [2007] University of New South Wales Faculty of Law Research Series.
[13] Matthijs M Maas, ‘INTERNATIONAL LAW DOES NOT COMPUTE: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE DEVELOPMENT, DISPLACEMENT OR DESTRUCTION OF THE GLOBAL LEGAL ORDER’ (2019) 20 Melbourne journal of international law.
