Last week we reported that a Stanford University professor made it mandatory to take tests in class because he suspected students of using artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, average test scores plummeted by 50% and 18 students immediately dropped out of class. Realizing the impact of AI on students, the University of Chicago Law School has banned the use of phones, tablets and computers in class by first-year students.
The directive will be enforced starting next fall. Students will have to take notes in lectures using pencils, pens and paper. Only one student will be designated to write class notes digitally during lectures. All exams will also be taken in class without access to the internet, electronic files and applications.
The drastic step is being taken by this prestigious university to reduce its reliance on AI and ensure that students master critical, strategic and independent thinking before using AI tools to practice law.
However, the university recognizes that rigorous legal education requires rapid adaptation to the disruption of AI in higher education. It would be unrealistic to ban them entirely.
So lecturers could still allow the use of the devices for certain activities, such as taking a vote in class. Students would be allowed to use AI for research and writing assignments, but they would not be allowed to use AI to write those assignments. All uses of AI would then be reviewed by faculty. Finally, the university would also offer an upper-level elective course on the use and adaptation of AI in the legal field.
The use of AI by lawyers is a big issue in the legal world. There have been several cases where documents submitted to court contained incorrect facts because AI was hallucinating. Clients have also argued that law firms would be charged high hourly fees if AI tools were used extensively.
