TLS President urges UDSM to consider Artificial Intelligence in teaching Law
By Saki Mlimuka, UDSoL
The President of the Tanganyika Law Society, Mr. Harold Sungusia has urged the University of Dar es Salaam to consider application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal teaching and practice.
Mr. Sungusia said this in his opening address at the University of Dar es Salaam School of Law (UDSoL) Career Day on 9th June, 2023. The event was organized by the School in collaboration with eight law firms, and was held at UDSM, with a theme, Global Trends and their Impacts on Law and Practice.
“It is very crucial to find ways to enhance the legal practice and existing laws in line with these technological advancements. It is thus the role of the University and other stakeholders to consider ways that make our teaching and practice relevant amid these technologies”, said Mr. Sungusia.
He commended the University of Dar es Salaam efforts of nurturing young individuals and shaping them into competent legal professionals. He said that TLS was ready to collaborate with the University on various matters, including legal research and provision of internships to students.
“As a legal association, we will collaborate with educational institutions, especially the University of Dar es Salaam, in research and enhancement of the learning environment, so as to help students gain practical experience in our law institutions.
He added: “We will also engage in research activities and publish high-quality publications to benefit our institutions and the legal industry as a whole”.
Strengthening legal profession
Meanwhile, the UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic, Prof. Bonaventure Rutinwa commended UDSoL for organising such an important event, which “will enable students and legal practitioners share experiences and reflect on how to improve and strengthen the legal profession in the country and beyond”.
The Dean of the School of Law, Dr. Sosteness Materu, said that as the School was in the process of reviewing its curriculum, one of the aspects of which was to incorporate the aspects of technology in the study of law. “This initiative seeks to prepare students for the evolving legal landscape and equip them with the necessary skills to navigate the digital era”.
In attendance at this event were also members of the academic staff, advocates, and legal practitioners from various law firms, as well as undergraduate students from the University of Dar es Salaam School of Law.
The day also featured panel discussions on various topics namely “Lawyering in the Contemporary World”, “The Law on Cybersex Trafficking in Tanzania”, “Artificial Intelligence and its Effects on Lawyering”, and “The Role of Forensics in Cyber Security and Combating Cyber Crime”. These discussions provided valuable insights and fostered a deeper understanding of pressing legal issues in the modern era.
Many participants noted that the day served as a very significant platform for students, academics, and legal practitioners to engage in a meaningful dialogue and shape the future of the legal field in Tanzania and beyond, especially on adapting to the global trends and embracing technological advancements in the legal profession.