Legal experts call for more research on AI law

While embracing the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, a number of legal experts from home and abroad have also called for more research on the technological application in law education, with stronger international exchanges to face new problems in the AI era.

They made the remark and advise at the Second World Jurists Forum, which was held by China University of Political Science and Law on Thursday — also the 72nd anniversary of the school.

Regarding 2024 as a key year of AI development, Ma Huaide, president of the university, said: "The technology has been rapidly changing the way of production, business, education and governance, bringing unprecedented challenges and opportunities for China and other countries in law education and research."

He emphasized that legal workers should shoulder the responsibility of such research, adding that the forum aimed to provide a platform for discussing the issue.

Themed "Legal education and Research in the AI Era", the forum contained a plenary session and six parallel panels, attracting 120 domestic and overseas experts, including college presidents, head of law schools and researchers of international organizations.

During the plenary session, a total of 13 speakers from 10 countries, such as China, the United States, France, Italy, Japan and Germany, shared their ideas on legal development and innovation in the AI era.

James Bacchus, former Appellate Body Chairman of the World Trade Organization, said that AI, if monopolized by a small number of people, will carry enormous risks, so it requires reshaping and revitalizing global human cooperation across geopolitical gaps.

He added that all human prosperity should be promoted through global sustainable development.

Simon Bronitt, dean of the University of Sydney's Law School, provided his opinions on payoffs and pitfalls for AI-informed lawyers, justice and ethics, saying that AI application should be integrated into law curricula and continuing education to help and support lawyers in the smart work environment.

All the forum participants agreed to increase international cooperation to jointly deal with new situations brought by AI in the legal field.

Hu Ming, Party chief of the university, highlighted the important role of the forum, adding "it, as a bridge for global exchanges, should be organized regularly to help learn from each other".