Students’ Challenges in Employing AI Tools in Legal Writing

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.25524

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence Tools, Legal English, Legal Writing.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has recently provided English learners with various interactive alternatives in classes. However, limited research has been conducted into the use of AI in English for specific purposes (ESP), especially Legal English. This paper investigates challenges students face when incorporating AI tools into Legal English Writing, stemming from either the tools themselves or their compatibility with Legal English. Forty-two undergraduate students of Legal English at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Law completed a structured questionnaire to gather quantitative data on their obstacles. The findings revealed that the primary challenges include overreliance on AI tools, educational ethics regarding plagiarism, and reduced creativity. These thoughtful insights shed light on pedagogical implications, helping guide students to use AI tools responsibly and effectively. The study also contributes to further research on AI in ESP, calling for deeper investigation to improve students’ legal writing and other general purposes.

Author Biographies

  • Pham Thi Thuy Dung, Faculty of Legal Languages, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, Vietnam

    Pham Thi Thuy Dung holds a master’s degree in TESOL (by University of Social Sciences and Humanities). She currently works as a lecturer at Faculty of Legal Languages, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. Her research interests range from General English teaching as well as Legal English teaching methodology.

  • Luong Minh Hieu, Faculty of Legal Languages, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, Vietnam

    Luong Minh Hieu holds a master’s degree in Education with a specialization in TESOL (conferred by the University of Southern Queensland, Australia). He is currently working as a full-time lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, and has been teaching legal English to both English-major and non-English major students. In addition, his research interest lies in the fields of Applied Linguistics, Teaching Methodology, and Legal English.

References

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Published

23-04-2025

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Pham, T. T. D., & Luong, M. H. (2025). Students’ Challenges in Employing AI Tools in Legal Writing. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 5(2), 75-86. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.25524

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