Source: Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence

This research article in Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, authored by a team of interdisciplinary researchers, presents a critical analysis of the application of AI in legal reasoning, advocating for a "hybrid intelligence" model. The authors argue that while current AI systems excel at processing large volumes of text and identifying patterns, they lack the capacity for genuine legal understanding, which involves context, narrative, and the interpretation of social norms. They caution against the simplistic application of AI to complex legal decision-making, as this could undermine the principles of substantive justice.

The paper proposes a theoretical framework where AI and human legal professionals work in a collaborative partnership. In this model, AI serves as a powerful analytical tool to support and enhance human cognition, but the final judgment and interpretation remain firmly under "meaningful human control." The research delves into the cognitive processes of legal reasoning, suggesting that for AI to become a more effective partner, it must be designed to better align with how human lawyers think. The ultimate conclusion is that the future of legal AI lies not in full automation but in creating sophisticated systems that augment human expertise, ensuring that legal outcomes remain fair, just, and contextually aware.