University of Chicago Law School Bans Phones and Laptops for First-Year Students in AI Strategy

The University of Chicago Law School has announced a new policy to ban electronic devices from the classroom for first-year students as part of its strategy to address the rise of artificial intelligence. The move is set to take effect during the upcoming fall semester, with some limited exceptions allowed.

As part of a broader plan to adapt to the changing landscape of AI, the school will be piloting a coordinated approach to classroom and examination policies for the core 1L curriculum starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. This new policy prohibits students from using laptops, tablets, or phones during classes across all first-year sections.

The University of Chicago Law School prides itself on producing graduates who are well-prepared to be excellent lawyers. To ensure this remains true, the school has consistently innovated its curriculum over time. The current moment is no exception, with the introduction of this new policy marking a significant shift in the way students learn and interact during classes.

The ban on electronic devices aims to promote focused learning and minimize distractions in the classroom environment. While there will be some exceptions for specific purposes, such as accessibility or academic requirements, these instances are expected to be rare.