In a recent keynote address at the 29th National Law Conference organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in Kandy, Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant emphasized the irreplaceable role of human judgment in the legal profession. While acknowledging the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in assisting legal processes, he cautioned that justice remains a profoundly human enterprise. Justice Kant highlighted that AI can aid in tasks such as researching authorities, generating drafts, and highlighting inconsistencies, but it cannot perceive the nuances of human emotion or the moral weight of a decision. He stated, "The judge's discernment, the advocate's reasoning, the litigant's dignity, and the empathy that animates every fair trial — these are the living fibres of justice that no machine can replicate."
Justice Kant further emphasized that the integration of technology in the legal profession should enhance human capacity rather than displace it. He remarked, "We are not replacing the lawyer or the judge; we are simply augmenting their reach and refining their capacity to serve." He urged that technology should serve as a guide, with humans governing its application to ensure that justice remains rooted in conscience and compassion.
Addressing an audience that included Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Chief Justice Padman Surasena, and Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, along with judges, lawyers, and academics from across South Asia, Justice Kant discussed the ongoing transformation of the legal profession. He noted that automation, digital case management, and AI-powered analytics are reshaping the way courts function and lawyers work. However, he reiterated that the essence of the legal profession lies not in data or algorithms but in the human elements of conscience and compassion.
In conclusion, Justice Kant's address underscored the importance of maintaining the human element in the pursuit of justice, even as technology continues to evolve and assist in legal processes. He called for a balanced approach where technology enhances human capabilities without overshadowing the core values that underpin the legal profession.
