It's astounding to me how education is responding to AI in such a limited, unimaginative way. AI is already reshaping legal research, drafting & client practice, but Berkeley has essentially said: “Our students may someday need this, but for now we’re going to pretend it doesn’t exist.”
Anyway, there is no reliable way to detect most AI use; detection tools are notoriously inaccurate and create perverse incentives for both students and faculty.
🖥️ The new Artificial Intelligence policy at UC Berkeley School of Law, effective Summer 2026.
📝 Here is the main rule:
"The use of AI is prohibited for aid in conceptualizing, outlining, drafting, revising, translating, or editing any work submitted for credit. AI use is prohibited for any use for any purpose in any exam situation. Students may not upload course materials—including assignments, readings, slides, class recordings, or other class content—into generative AI systems. AI can be used for research on papers ONLY for the limited purpose of identifying sources, such as cases, statutes, or secondary sources."