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Berkeley Law prohibits AI use in classes (by default)
Brief published August 22, 2026 ยท Original source published August 21, 2026
Original reporting at law.berkeley.edu.
Automated brief. Verify important details at the original source.
What happened
Berkeley Law has adopted a default prohibition on AI use in its classes, effective Summer 2026. The policy applies across courses at the law school, meaning students cannot use AI tools unless an instructor explicitly permits it. The stated rationale centers on the current state of AI technology, which the school claims requires pairing AI use with cognitive skills that students must still develop. The policy acknowledges that future lawyers may need AI fluency, creating a tension the school appears to be managing through instructor-level opt-in exceptions rather than a blanket ban.
Why it matters
Law schools set norms that shape how an entire profession approaches new tools. A default-off AI policy at a prominent institution like Berkeley Law signals that legal education is prioritizing foundational skill development over early AI adoption, which could influence peer institutions and bar associations weighing similar questions about competence standards.
What to watch
Whether individual instructors opt in to allow AI use at scale, and how Berkeley Law revisits or revises the policy as the technology and legal profession's expectations evolve.