Artificial Intelligence In Legal Education: A Swot Analysis Of Its Role As An Enabler Of Learning And A Challenge To Critical Thinking
Priya LK Shukla, LL.M., Department of Legal Studies and Research, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India
Vikramaditya Singh, Research Scholar, School of Law, Justice & Governance, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
ABSTRACT
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming legal education by reshaping how students learn, research, and develop professional competence. In law schools, AI offers opportunities for personalised learning, faster access to information, and more effective legal pedagogy. At the same time, its use raises serious concerns about academic integrity, ethical practice, and the possible weakening of critical thinking if students rely on automated outputs without independent analysis.
This research paper examines Artificial Intelligence in legal education through a SWOT framework, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This paper also considers the need for curriculum reform, ethical safeguards, and institutional guidelines for the responsible use of AI in legal education. The central argument of this paper is that AI should function as a support tool rather than a substitute for human reasoning. A balanced and responsible integration of AI can strengthen legal education while preserving analytical judgment, ethical sensitivity, and the intellectual discipline essential to the legal profession.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Legal Education, Critical Thinking, SWOT Analysis, Generative AI, Legal Pedagogy, Legal Research, Academic Integrity, Ethical AI, AI Hallucination, Digital Transformation, Redefining Pedagogy, Cognitive Offloading, and Institutional Adaptation
