The Roles and Responsibilities of Lawyers in the Digital Justice System: A Thai Legal and Technological Analysis
Keywords:
Judicial Proceedings, Lawyers, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Justice System, Legal Professional EthicsAbstract
This academic article aims to study and analyze the impact of the transition to digital justice on the roles and responsibilities of Thai lawyers within the context of the adoption of modern technologies in the justice process, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), electronic court systems, digital evidence, blockchain technology, and remote litigation. The objectives are to (1) study the legal framework and regulations governing Thailand's digital justice process, (2) analyze the changing roles of lawyers within the digital technology context, (3) assess the impact of AI on legal practice, (4) study relevant ethical issues and professional standards, and (5) propose policy guidelines for the future development of the Thai legal profession. This study employs a documentary research methodology combined with policy analysis, examining laws, regulations, research, and academic literature both domestically and internationally. Content analysis and thematic synthesis are then conducted to explain the dynamics of change in the legal profession under the digital justice process. The findings indicate that the reform of the digital justice process has significantly altered the structural practices of lawyers, particularly in electronic litigation, digital evidence management, remote litigation, and the application of AI to support legal research, data analysis, and case document management. However, the use of such technologies still faces challenges regarding data accuracy, personal data protection, transparency of automation, and algorithmic bias. This article addresses the ethical responsibilities of legal professionals by presenting a new framework: the "Integrated Digital Lawyer" (IDL). This framework describes key competencies necessary for professional practice in the digital age, encompassing legal knowledge, technological skills, digital evidence management, regulation of artificial intelligence, and digital ethics. The emphasis is on using technology to empower legal professionals rather than replacing human judgment, leading to the development of an efficient, transparent, and rule-of-law-compliant justice system in the future.
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