#Issue 3 of my periodic newsletter. In this issue, I utter my thoughts on whether AI will replace lawyers.

As technology advances, lawyers and legal professionals are increasingly concerned about the possibility of AI replacing them.

This question has become a hot topic of debate in the legal community, sparking discussions and constant back and forth with everyone having different views.

While some view AI as a potential threat, others see it as an opportunity for innovation and efficiency.

As someone who has been closely studying the rise of AI, I can confidently say that the legal industry is at a pivotal moment. With recent breakthroughs like ChatGPT, the potential for AI to disrupt the legal profession is more significant than ever before. 

But the question still stands, will AI replace lawyers?

In this article, I'll explore both sides of the debate and give my perspective on the future of lawyers in an AI-dominated world. Are you ready to find out if AI will replace lawyers? 

Let's dive in.

What is AI?

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence.

AI Use Cases

AI has found its way into numerous fields, each with its own use case. 

For example, AI has been used in healthcare to help diagnose and treat patients, identify early warning signs of diseases, and even predict patient outcomes. 

In the financial industry, AI is used to detect fraud, optimize investment portfolios, and even assist in customer service.

In the transportation industry, AI is being used to improve traffic flow, reduce accidents, and even automate vehicles and many more industries. 

AI is manifest through solving complex problems and helping humans work more efficiently and effectively.

The AI Disruption

However, although AI has brought about numerous positive changes and advancements in various industries, it is also causing significant disruptions. The legal industry is no exception. 

By 2025, around 85 million jobs are expected to be replaced by AI, according to the World Economic Forum's recent report on the Future of Jobs. The Legal industry is among the professions expected to be affected by the AI disruption.

38% of employees expect their jobs to be automated, and 13% expect their jobs to be eliminated by 2023. (Source)

This is no different with LAWYERS.

While some argue that it can enhance the efficiency of law firms and provide clients with better service, there's no denying that it's also making some law-related jobs redundant. 

As AI technology advances, specific tasks that humans previously performed are now being automated and done by machines.

For instance, AI programs can now carry out document review, legal research, and contract analysis, rendering some paralegal and junior lawyer positions obsolete.

In addition, the ability of AI to handle routine tasks and automate processes may lead to a reduction in the overall number of legal support staff required in law firms.

Businesses have been shaken; more layoffs have occurred as AI takes people's jobs.

This has led some to worry that lawyers who don't adapt to this new reality could soon find themselves out of work.

AI Will Replace Lawyers!

 My honest thoughts

I won't lie; I was scared by AI. 

I was fascinated by what AI could do efficiently, quickly, and almost accurately.

I gave ChatGPT (an AI trained to understand natural language and respond in a conversational human-like way) a prompt to draft a divorce petition. In seconds, the petition (or a great first draft) was done.

I asked it to explain legal concepts simplistically. For this test, I requested ChatGPT to explain the doctrine of Stare decisis in a beginner-friendly way, and it did so in no time.

I've got to read numerous articles and tweets of lawyers and fellow law students throwing tantrums at AI and heeding under a false belief that AI can’t replace them. 

That is the same mentality workers in the pre-first industrial revolution thought about the new manufacturing processes. Many skilled artisans who had been practicing their trade for years realized later that they would be replaced by machines requiring little training.

Some lawyers also believe that AI can't represent clients in court.

Maybe they’ve not heard of innovations like DoNotPay, a bot that can represent a client in court. This bot was set to argue its first court case in February 2023.

But guess what?

The lawyers couldn't let this happen and threatened its creator with jail. 

The question is, for how long can they hold such innovations and more for much longer? 

AI will take your job. AI will take your clients and leave you with nothing.

But only if;

You're an incompetent lawyer who is not fully skilled in your area of expertise, all-round, half-baked, and not creative. 

I’m not here to scare you—and before you start packing up your books and looking for a new career, here’s what I think you should do.

It would be best if you buckled up. Tough times are here, and hence the need for harsh measures.

Why AI Won’t Replace Lawyers. (Not As Yet)

A lot is at stake, and we need to brace ourselves.

However, while there is a fear of being replaced by AI, it's important to remember that the legal profession heavily relies on human expertise.

While it is true that AI can perform many legal tasks faster and more accurately than humans, there are still many things that AI can't do.

AI’s biggest hindrance at the moment is that it is lifeless.

* It can't provide the personal touch that a human can provide, which is vital in almost every aspect of a lawyer's career.

* AI is not reliable. It is worth noting that AI is not yet perfect. AI systems can sometimes make mistakes or errors that humans would catch, but the AI system cannot. These errors could also have serious consequences, hence the need for a human lawyer.

* AI can't have that personal connection, or emotional support clients expect from their lawyers.

* AI can’t negotiate on behalf of clients. AI cannot negotiate on behalf of clients as it lacks the interpersonal skills and judgment required to assess and understand the unique circumstances of each case.

* Maintaining client-attorney privilege. Strict confidentiality rules bind lawyers, and AI may be unable to ensure confidentiality and protect sensitive information.

* Making strategic decisions. Legal professionals are responsible for making strategic decisions that can significantly impact the outcome of a case. These decisions require judgment, experience, and legal knowledge that AI may not have.

* AI cannot efficiently argue a case in court or develop a deep understanding of a client's needs and concerns and tailor an argument. Advocacy requires skills such as reading judges' and assessors' minds, thinking objectively, and persuading the court, which AI lacks.

AI is undoubtedly changing the legal profession, but it is not a replacement for human lawyers. Instead, it is a tool that can help lawyers do their job better and more efficiently.

Conversely, it is high time you worked on your ORAL SKILL. Speaking is one of the tools of the trade of a lawyer that will still stay relevant in the 'new era of disruptions'

It would be best if you did not look at AI as a threat but rather as a collaboration tool to ease your work and help you get things done easily and quickly.

Lawyers who will embrace AI and learn to use it to their advantage will be the ones who thrive in the years to come.

Conclusion

So, if you're a law student or a practicing lawyer, don't fear AI. 

Although there have been reports of job replacements and automation by AI, around 12 million more jobs are expected to be created by the emergence of AI.

AI is not your enemy. Instead, learn about it, understand it, and find ways to incorporate it into your practice and study.

If you do, you'll be better equipped to provide the kind of service that your clients expect, and you'll be well-positioned to succeed in the rapidly changing world of law.

I hope to be in touch with you soon!

Useful Links

Link to the full post; Will AI Replace Lawyers?

For free Study Notes: Kityo Martin Legal Blog

Join my Telegram Channel: Kityo Martin Telegram Channel

Twitter: The Legal Transit

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Sources of Law in Uganda

Have you ever wondered where the laws in Uganda come from and how they are enforced? 

From criminal law to civil law, the sources of law in Uganda play a crucial role in shaping the legal system. 

But what exactly are these sources of law? How do they work?

Correction: The Imbalu is a custom among the Bagisu and not the Basoga as stated in the podcast.

Introduction

Welcome to yet another episode of Legal Transit, the podcast that takes you on a journey through the complexities of the law. 

In this episode, we are discussing the sources of law in Uganda. Whether you are a law student, lawyer, or just interested in the legal system, understanding the sources of law is essential. 

Let's start by defining what we mean by "sources of law." In general, sources of law refer to the legal rules and principles that govern a society and provide a framework for the legal system. In Uganda, there are two main categories of sources of law: primary sources and secondary sources.

Read the full article on sources of law in Uganda on my blog

Primary Sources of Law

Primary sources of law are the foundational sources of law that a legal system is based on. These sources of law are considered to be the most authoritative and are used to interpret and apply the law. They are issued by governing bodies and entities. 

Primary sources of law are binding. This means that courts and judicial officers must use them as they reason and arrive at judgments in courts. 

Examples of primary sources of law in uganda first and foremost we have;

* The Constitution of Uganda

* Statutes, regulations, and 

* Case law.

* Religious law such as Islamic law

The Constitution of Uganda

First, on our list, we have the constitution of Uganda. The Constitution of Uganda is the highest source of law in the country (grund norm) and sets out the principles, structure, and functions of the government, as well as the rights and duties of citizens. 

Article 2 of the same Constitution is the supreme law of Uganda and shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout Uganda. This means that no one is above the constitution. Every organ, every individual, and every entity is governed and bound by the provisions of the constitution.

Article 2(2) of the same constitution states that If any other law or custom is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, that other law or custom shall, to the extent of that inconsistency, be void.

This means that if there is any other law that contradicts any provisions of the constitution it will be considered null and void.

That is the first form of a primary source of law.

Next on the list is statutory law.

Statutory Law

Statutory law refers to the law that is made by the parliament of Uganda. The parliament of Uganda is given power under Article 79 of the Constitution to make laws and also sub-delegate these powers to other bodies to make laws. 

The parliament makes laws in form of statutes. Statutes can also be called Acts. The definition of Statutes can be that statutes are laws that are enacted by the Ugandan Parliament and have the force of law. Regulations are rules and guidelines that are issued by executive agencies to implement and interpret statutes. 

Examples of statutes include; the Penal Code Act Cap 120, Evidence Act, Computer Misuse Act, Contracts Act, 2010, Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, Civil Procedure Act, and Criminal Procedure Code Act, among others.

Under this source of law,  we have the Principle legislation and Delegated legislation.

Principle Legislation

This refers to the Laws and policies made by the Parliament. The Parliament is the Legislature.

Parliament derives its power under Article 79(1) of the Constitution 1995. 

Delegated Legislation/ Subsidiary Legislation

This refers to the laws and policies made by the bodies that the Parliament has sub-delegated powers to make law.

These are termed to be secondary legislation. 

Under Article 79(2) of the Constitution of Uganda, the parliament has the power to delegate anybody or authority in the making of laws in Uganda. Article 79 (2) states that ‘No person or body other than Parliament shall have the power to make provisions having the force of law in Uganda except under authority conferred by an Act of Parliament.’

For example, Bye-laws made by a Local Council, Statutory Instruments made by Ministers, Ordinances, Rules, and Regulations.

Common Law & Doctrines of Equity

These are laws from England; English-received Law is used in Uganda by virtue of being a British colony.

Section 14(3) of the Judicature Act provides for the validity of the application of Common Law and doctrines of equity in the legal system of Uganda. 

Laws emanate from British Law through English precedents and statutes.

Doctrines of Equity

Equity is defined to mean fairness, justice, and good conscience. Equity came to supplement common Law but not to disregard it. So equity follows the Law, and it only comes in to provide a remedy where there is injustice and repugnancy. 

Equity comes with maxims and equitable remedies, including injunctions, specific performance, and others.

Religious Law

Uganda as a state is a secular state. It does not adopt a single form of religion.

Under Article 8 of the Uganda constitution, Uganda is a secular state. Religion is a valid and recognized source of law in Uganda.

In Uganda, we have various religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.

Religion influences the making of Law, for example, Islamic Banking law and Quadhi Courts, which are based on the Quran and Hadith of the Islamic faith.

International law (Treaties / Conventions)

These are set of rules generally regarded and accepted as binding in relations between states and nations. 

These laws govern international relations, and where the country becomes a signatory, that Law becomes binding onto that country. For example UN Convention, Rome Statute, Geneva Conventions

Secondary Sources of law

Secondary sources of law are those that provide information and analysis about the law but are not directly applicable in a legal dispute. These are sources that analyze, assess, give opinions, explain, and evaluate the law. They contain law but are not law themselves.

These include;

* Law Journals 

These are books in which one writes down his personal analysis and thoughts about the Law. For example, the editorial team at Makerere University writes the Makerere Law Journal.

* Legal Encyclopedias and Legal Digests

These are a summation of a body of information such as rules, statutes, or law decisions.

* Legal Dictionaries 

A reference book that lists that contains words listed in alphabetical order and with correspondence to their meanings. For example the (Black's Law Dictionary)

In Kwizera V Attorney General [2017], Lillian Tibatemwa J made reference to the online Duhaime Law dictionary for the meaning of the term 'costs follow the event’

* Textbooks

These are books covering a particular topic or topics covered in a certain area of the subject. For example in a school—for example, Glanville Williams' textbook of Learning the Law.

* Law Conferences

These are meeting of legal analysts in which legal issues are discussed. For instance Law society conferences.

* Law Reviews

These are reports that give someone/institution's opinion and analysis about a matter of law.  For example the Havard Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review

* Legal Periodicals

These are published laws with a fixed interval on legal issues. They are published periodically in form of numbers or volumes.

* Law Reports

These are where cases are reported like Uganda law reports, (ALLER) All England Law Reports, and (KLR) Kampala Law Reports among others.

Internet. Law reports can be found in law libraries. ULII website is a great resource for Ugandan cases.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the sources of law in Uganda play a crucial role in shaping the legal system and providing a framework for the resolution of legal disputes. Understanding these sources of law is essential for anyone interested in the legal system, whether you are a law student, lawyer, or just someone with a general interest in the law. We hope this episode has helped shed some light on the sources of law in Uganda and how they work together in the legal system. Thanks for tuning in to the Legal Transit podcast. Until next time, keep your wings spread.

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Hello everyone, I am excited to have you here.

You are welcome to the Legal Transit podcast show. A show where we shall navigate the complexities of the law together!

Well,

What is the Legal Transit Podcast about, you may ask?

The legal transit is a legal podcast that covers topic discussions, explanations, and tips for law students on various areas of the law.

Even if you are not a law student and you are just a person curious about the law, this podcast will surely be helpful to you.

Well, still wondering why the legal transit podcast show?

It is because you are going to get well-researched content demystified for you. All the cases and laws are cited and explained to you in the simplest manner possible.

I have been in the field of offering such help for so long through my legal blog called Kityo Martin Legal (you can search that via Google) where I write content explaining law concepts to students.

It is after numerous requests from my audience that I decided to start this podcast show. I realized that while some people consume written content better, others prefer audio content and others prefer visual content to help them understand things better.  So I said why not?

I decided to add a voice to the written content to reach a wider audience and answer questions of my audience.

You might ask, Who is the voice behind The Legal transit?

Well, I am Kityo Martin, a law student at Islamic University In Uganda at the moment. I would like to describe myself as an ambitious and curious person. A perfectionist.

I will be your host, and I will be piloting your journey throughout.

I will help you break down topics and help you understand concepts better throughout the episodes.

I am very excited about this, I hope you guys love the podcast, rate it wherever you come across it and share it widely with someone who might need it.

Thank you

The Legal Transit Podcast!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thelegaltransit.substack.com