Emeris Law Students Pledge To Uphold Ethics In AI Age

More than 100 first year IIE Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and first year articulation students attended Emeris Durban North’s Faculty of Law’s recent annual Ethics Ceremony. The ceremony reinforced the importance of ethical conduct as a law student and in the legal profession.

Voreshka Gosai (Head of Law at Emeris Durban North) led the students, which included the first year articulation students transitioning from the IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Law to the IIE Bachelor of Laws, through the ethical pledge.

The future lawyers pledged their commitment to upholding the South African Constitution, the rule of law and the highest standards of ethics and integrity within the legal profession.

They undertook to act honestly, fairly and in the public interest, while respecting institutional rules and maintaining professional conduct. The pledge also reinforced their responsibility to promote social justice, contribute positively to society and to hold themselves accountable to the values and disciplinary standards of the Independent Institute of Education (The IIE).

Keynote speaker Advocate Kenneth McIntosh SC addressed students on the role of ethics in the legal profession, particularly in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“To my mind, law is probably the most noble of all professions. Everyone is affected by the law, so training in law is one of the great virtues of life, the language of civilised life and the glue that keeps everything together,” he said.

He reminded students that ethical conduct begins from their first year of study and continues throughout their careers. “Only people with high moral character, integrity and honesty are admitted to the legal profession”.

On the use of AI, McIntosh emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability. “As students who will be legal practitioners, you must understand that using AI as a reason why you’ve made a mistake is not a defence. As a lawyer, it’s regarded as dishonesty rather than negligence if you make a submission about a case that doesn’t exist”.

Fiona Kaplan (Dean of Faculty of Law at Emeris) reiterated the importance of human overseeing when using AI. “AI mustn’t replace your human cognitive thought. Your honesty speaks to your ethics”. She encouraged students to follow proper referencing practices.

Noluthando Nxumalo (first year IIE Bachelor of Laws student at Emeris Durban North) said taking the pledge reaffirmed her commitment to becoming a lawyer. “The pledge felt very real. There are so many people who don’t have access to a lawyer. I want to become the voice of the voiceless,” she said.

Fellow first year IIE Bachelor of Laws Emeris Durban North student Tanuja Patel said the ceremony highlighted the importance of honesty and integrity. She hopes to one day support the visually impaired through her legal career, particularly in cases involving guide dog access.

Rajesh Chandarman (Campus Head at Emeris Durban North) said the ceremony took on greater meaning this year due to the legal landscape evolving. “AI can provide efficiency but cannot replace the ethical judgement of a human advocate. A lawyer’s integrity must still provide the trust, transparency and accountability”.