The Finch Project

By: Prashaant Ranganathan, Lucas Cruz and Victor Kato
In: Legal and AI
2023, March 17

The Core Idea

The habit of privileged individuals sending contracts to their lawyer friends for review can be a form of privilege, as it gives them access to resources and expertise that many others may not have. This can lead to an uneven playing field, where some individuals are able to negotiate better terms and conditions, while others are not.

However, it can also be a way to ensure that the contract is fair and protects the rights of all parties involved. In this case, the lawyer can review the contract and identify any issues that may be problematic, such as ambiguous language, hidden fees, or unfair terms. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the road, and can help ensure that everyone understands and agrees to the terms of the contract.

Almost everybody at some point in their lives will need to have a contract read over. It would be important that the access to legal review is not only limited to privileged people, but also to vulnerable groups or workers who may not be able to afford such services.

Overview:

Automizing the reading of legal contracts has the potential to democratize access to legal services by making it more affordable and accessible for individuals and small businesses.

By automating the process of contract review, this type of technology could reduce the time and cost associated with hiring a lawyer, allowing more people to understand and navigate the legal system.

This technology could be used to automatically identify and extract key information from contracts, such as terms, conditions, and obligations, which would save time and money for both parties involved in the contract.

Additionally, an AI-powered contract review system could also help to identify potential legal issues and red flags that may not be immediately obvious to a layperson. Overall, this technology has the potential to level the playing field and empower individuals and small businesses to better protect their rights and interests in legal matters.

Why is the project called Atticus Finch (or The Finch Project)

Atticus Finch, a main character in Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," is a significant symbol of civil rights and racial justice in the novel. He serves as a moral compass for the novel, as well as a representation of the legal system's ability to bring about change.

Atticus Finch is a lawyer who is appointed to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, who has been falsely accused of raping a white woman. Throughout the novel, Atticus demonstrates unwavering integrity and moral fortitude as he fights for Robinson's innocence, despite the racial prejudices of the time. He also teaches his children, Scout and Jem, about the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their race.

He represents the idea that all people, regardless of their race or social status, are entitled to fair treatment under the law.

Author
Prashaant Ranganathan

Trainee
Industrial Design- Stanford

Author
Lucas Cruz

Research and development engineer
Electrical and Computer Engineering - UFRJ - Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Author
Victor Kato

Head of the Loon Factory
Indutrial Design - PUC-RJ - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro