Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Field: a Useful Tool, Not a Substitute for Legal Judgment

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal field has increased significantly in recent years. From rapid legal consultations to automated contract drafting, AI has positioned itself as an attractive tool for law firms, businesses, and individual users seeking efficient answers to their legal concerns. However, this accelerated adoption also poses significant risks when used without adequate technical knowledge.

One of the main underlying problems is that artificial intelligence lacks discernment: it processes large volumes of data, identifies patterns, and responds in a structured manner, but it doesn't use legal criteria to assess whether its response is applicable, current, or correct in the context of a specific case. Furthermore, it often responds with a bias aimed at confirming or pleasing the user's intentions, which can generate a false sense of certainty, especially in complex issues or those with significant regulatory nuances.

Another relevant aspect is that the sources used by AI may be outdated or unreliable. Most of these models access public content available on the internet, without distinguishing between a repealed law, outdated case law, or an opinion contained in a blog. For this reason, relying exclusively on AI results to make legal decisions can lead to significant errors and, in the worst case, adverse legal consequences.

Therefore, it is essential that the user has sufficient legal knowledge to interpret, question, or validate what the AI presents. The ability to discern is what transforms artificial intelligence into a useful tool, not a source of risk. Proper use of this technology requires understanding its scope, limitations, and its supportive, rather than substitute, nature.

Artificial intelligence is, without a doubt, an extraordinary tool that automates tasks, systematizes information, and improves operational efficiency. But as with all technology, its true value is determined by the skill of the operator using it. In the legal field, this means having technical knowledge, professional judgment, and a deep respect for the implications that each decision can have.