Is the Death Penalty Constitutional? CJI Chandrachud Questions AI Lawyer at National Judicial Museum Opening

DY Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, recently made waves when he spoke with an AI lawyer at the Supreme Court’s National Judicial Museum and Archive (NJMA) opening on November 7, 2024. This event emphasised the importance of the new museum in addition to showcasing AI’s potential in legal discourse.

What’s New:

On November 7, 2024, Chief Justice Chandrachud engaged in a conversation with an AI lawyer, who was dressed in a traditional advocate’s coat and bow tie. The Chief Justice asked the AI, “Is the death penalty constitutional in India?” The AI confidently answered that “the death penalty is constitutional in India. It is reserved for the rarest of rare cases as determined by the Supreme Court.” This interaction impressed both the Chief Justice and the audience, including other judges present at the event.

Key Insight:

This instance exemplifies the increasing trend of technological integration in the legal industry. In the past, Chief Justice Chandrachud has stated his opinion that AI may improve the administration of justice by accelerating procedures and cutting down on paperwork. He said that “AI represents the next frontier of innovation that has the transformative potential to speed up and streamline justice delivery.” But he warned against its careless usage as well, pointing out possible systemic issues.

How This Works:

The AI lawyer’s response demonstrated how technology may participate in complex legal conversations by mimicking human legal reasoning. “This museum reflects the importance of the court to the life of our nation,” Chandrachud said in his opening speech, adding that he hoped it would become an engaging place for the next generation. He said “We thought that we must have not just a museum of artifacts, but a museum comparable to the best internationally.”

Result:

The interaction between Chief Justice Chandrachud and the AI lawyer was well-received, with applause from those present. The Chief Justice highlighted that this initiative took “almost a year and a half in conceptualization and planning,” with six months dedicated to execution. He expressed hope that many young people would visit and gain a deeper understanding of justice and legal processes.

Why This Matters?

The inauguration of the NJMA signifies a commitment to making legal education more accessible to the public. As Chandrachud noted, “You want to have younger children from schools and colleges, citizens who are not necessarily lawyers and judges come here and breathe the air we breathe every day in court.” This sentiment underscores his vision for fostering a greater understanding of law among citizens.

We’re Thinking-

This initiative hasn’t been without controversy, though. Instead of building a library or lounge for legal professionals, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) expressed dissatisfaction over the decision to turn a previous judges’ library into a museum. Vikas Singh, the former president of the SCBA, expressed concerns about infrastructure choices that ignore urgent requirements in the legal community.

To sum up, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s meeting with an AI lawyer at the NJMA is a significant milestone in integrating technology into India’s legal system while also emphasizing the need for educational resources that reflect the judiciary’s role in society. As he is about to retire, his actions might have a long-term effect on how justice is viewed and administered in India.