Role of Technology in a Social, Economic and Ethical Environment: Jurisprudence Approaches to Legal Reasoning.
Abstract
Technology has dramatically transformed legal reasoning and impacted social, economic, and ethical frameworks. This article explores the evolving role of technology in the law and analyses its impact from different legal perspectives. From digital communication tools and automation to artificial intelligence and forensic advances, technology is improving legal efficiency, access to justice, and decision-making processes. Digital case management systems, blockchain smart contract technology, and virtual courts have revolutionized legal practice, making legal services more efficient and convenient. However, the integration of technology into legal argumentation also raises significant ethical questions. Issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity threats, and algorithmic bias in AI-driven legal systems challenge the fairness and accountability of legal decision-making. The potential for job loss or displacement, particularly among younger legal professionals, further complicates the economic situation. The rise of technology-based legal services requires a rethinking of traditional billing structures and legal education in order to prepare future legal practitioners for digital careers.
Legal theory, including legal positivism, natural law, and critical legal studies, offer different perspectives on how legal reasoning adapts to technological change. Legal positivists focus on the written rules governing technology, while natural law theorists emphasize ethical considerations and critical legal scholars criticize technology for its role in exacerbating power imbalances. This study argues that while technology offers many benefits, its regulation and ethical application remain essential to maintaining justice, fairness, and accountability. A balanced approach is necessary to align technological progress with legal principles, ensuring that legal systems remain adaptable yet firmly rooted in fundamental rights and due process. By adopting a proactive and ethically guided framework, legal institutions can harness technology’s potential while mitigating its risks in a rapidly evolving digital world.
