The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Nigerian Legal System

Introduction

The world is undergoing major changes due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a critical driver of the major changes. AI has introduced the innovative adoption of deep learning and machine learning algorithms that have affected several industries. AI has been of major significance in the legal sector and has been considered a tool that may ease lawyers' bulk work. However, in Nigeria, the idea of AI has not been fully accepted in the legal industry. Nigerian's conservative nature has been a deterring factor to innovation. AI has been perceived as an innovation that contributes to unemployment and destabilizes the status quo. This paper aims at offering a pragmatic and legal perspective of AI in Nigeria. The focus will be on identifying the place of Artificial Intelligence (AI)) in the Nigerian Legal System and the potential effects on the adjudicative process.

Definition of AI

AI was first defined in 1956 by John McCarthy as "the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs" (McCarthy, 2007).

Marvin Lee Minsky, one of the founders of AI, defines it as "the science of making machines do things that would require intelligence if done by men. It requires high-level mental processes such as perceptual learning, memory and critical thinking." (Villani, Bonnet & Rondepierre, 2018).

Data Robot CEO Jeremy Achin, at the Japan AI Experience in 2017, defined AI as "a computer system able to perform tasks that ordinarily require human intelligence. These artificial intelligence systems are powered by machine learning "(Achin, 2020).

Literature Review

This paper identifies the role of AI in Nigeria's legal system. However, it is necessary to consider the opinions of learned scholars who have commented on the topic to avoid regurgitation of knowledge and appreciate their contribution to this study field. Most scholars believe that the legal profession cannot avoid AI technology; hence individuals and institutions must find a way to use the technology to their advantage.

Ademola Adeyoju explores the readiness of lawyers concerning AI, the potential effects of AI in legal practice in Africa, and suggests practical recommendations for the profession. He points out the various ways AI-lawyers have performed legal tasks. The writer uses the example of Case Cruncher that was effectively used to predict the outcome of cases. Case Cruncher proved to be more accurate compared to the lawyers themselves. Also, he cites that AI technologies have also been used in legal sectors to predict the judge's attitude, predict the moves by opposing counsel, predict the outcome of a case, and assist a judge in predicting the effectiveness of litigators (Adeyoju, 2018).

Simon, Lindsay, Sosa, and Comparato give recommendations on how a lawyer in the future should deal with AI. They believe that lawyers should acquire legal and technology skills to be competent for legal jobs. They propose how law schools should offer legal education. Although the article focuses on law schools in America, the ideas may apply to Nigeria's law institutions. They cite several law schools that have successfully incorporated technology courses ranging from the basics to applied technology. They further state that Lawyers should have an open mindset to enable the successful application of AI technology to their advantage instead of opposing it (Simon, Lindsay, Sosa, & Comparato, 2018).

AI tools in Nigeria

TIMI is Nigeria's First Artificial Intelligence Legal...…were unable to practice litigation to ensure justice prevails. Secondly, the lawyers who depended on on-court practice for their incomes were affected financially as the courts were closed. Lastly, the situation exposed the legal system's weaknesses, such as poor technology applied in legal proceedings. The courts lacked reliable digitized systems resulting in delays in the court cases. (Adamolekun, 2020).

Gaps in the Nigerian legal system and how AI can bridge the gaps

Nigerian laws are not favorable to growing smart technology. Nigeria is a third world country that is conservative and has little appreciation for technology. There is a lack of proper laws to guard individuals who apply smart technology. Infringement and violation of privacy are not taken seriously. The legislation in place is not suitable to tackle issues with smart technology. Laws can be amended according to modern trends to solve these issues. The AI will be of significance in the legal system, as it will bring surety and accuracy legal research is conducted, and the cases are determined promptly (Igbozurike, 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is significant to adopt the use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian legal practice. AI will ease the litigation process and guarantee a lot of benefits to the legal profession. These benefits include; improving legal efficiency, more precise risk assessment, prediction of case outcomes. However, as is common to technologies, it has a few challenges: lack of funding, lack of public trust, nd support in AI.

Moreover, Nigerian lawyers need to develop technical skills ranging from digital privacy, cryptocurrency, and even media rights. The digital revolution requires lawyers to invest in tech skills such as coding, programming, software engineering, digital marketing, among other skills. It is rather apparent that future lawyers will…