UP Law tightens AI use for first-year JD students

The University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law introduced new rules limiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI)) and digital devices in first-year Juris Doctor (JD) courses, saying the policy aims to strengthen students’ legal reasoning as generative AI (GenAI) becomes increasingly prevalent in education.

Adopted on Aug. 4, the policy will take effect in Academic Year 2026-2027 and covers first-year core subjects traditionally included in the Philippine Bar Examinations.

UP Law said while AI has the potential to enhance legal research and education, its growing use has also raised concerns over “cognitive offloading” and declining critical thinking.

The college said it has observed weaker reasoning and argumentation among students who regularly use AI for case briefing, research and answering classroom queries, adding that employer feedback indicated some graduates had become “AI-dependent.”

Under the policy, first-year core subjects will, as much as possible, be conducted onsite.

Students in face-to-face classes will also be prohibited from using digital devices (including smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smart glasses, and recorders) for any purpose, including note-taking unless authorized by the class instructor for classes or emergencies.

The guidelines also prohibit students from relying on GenAI throughout the research and writing process for academic papers and legal memoranda, including during conceptualization, drafting, editing, and grammar checking.  AI-driven legal research databases are likewise barred unless introduced under limited conditions after students have demonstrated mastery of research fundamentals.

Faculty members who allow limited AI use must supervise students and require disclosures detailing how the technology was used in their work.

Students caught possessing digital devices during onsite assessments for core subjects may face disciplinary action for violating academic integrity rules.

UP Law said the policy seeks to prepare future lawyers for an AI-enabled profession while technology supplements, rather than replaces, the core skills required in legal practice.