# Laptops banned from US university classroom in bid to tackle student AI use

> Source: <https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/university-chicago-law-school-ai-laptop-banned-b3013948.html>
> Published: 2026-07-13 14:24:08+00:00

# Laptops banned from US university classroom in bid to tackle student AI use

- The University of Chicago Law School has announced a ban on laptops and smartphones for incoming first-year law students.
- Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, students will be prohibited from using electronic devices during classes.
- The policy aims to develop “AI-resilient pedagogy” and ensure students learn critical, strategic, and independent thinking without relying on artificial intelligence.
- Examinations will also be conducted in-class without access to the internet, electronic files, or apps.
- This initiative comes as the legal sector is identified as highly susceptible to AI automation, with a UK firm recently winning a case using an AI lawyer.
