Can Artificial Intelligence Become an Advocate? Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Perspectives Muhammad Zerga Caesar Monarky Hutasuhut
Universitas Terbuka
Abstract
Abstract
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming legal services by enabling automated legal research, contract drafting, case analysis, and predictive decision-making. These developments have sparked debate over whether AI could eventually perform functions traditionally carried out by advocates. This study aims to examine the potential of AI to assume certain advocacy-related roles while analyzing the legal, ethical, and regulatory implications of its implementation within the justice system.
This research employs a normative legal research method using a statute, conceptual, and comparative approach. The analysis draws upon legal frameworks, scholarly literature, ethical principles governing the legal profession, and recent developments in AI-assisted legal technologies.
The study finds that AI has significant potential to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and consistency of legal services, particularly in legal research, document preparation, and case management. However, AI remains unable to fully replace advocates due to limitations in legal reasoning, ethical judgment, client representation, confidentiality, and courtroom advocacy. Furthermore, the increasing use of AI raises important concerns regarding accountability, transparency, professional responsibility, data privacy, and regulatory oversight.
This paper concludes that AI should be regarded as a complementary tool rather than a substitute for legal professionals. Establishing comprehensive legal and ethical governance frameworks is essential to ensure the responsible integration of AI into legal practice while preserving justice, public trust, and the fundamental values of the legal profession.
