MyDurhamLaw

Study Assistant

Academic Ethics & AI Integrity

MyDurhamLaw is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, transparency, and ethical AI assistance for Durham University Law students.

Important Notice

MyDurhamLaw is not affiliated with Durham University. This platform provides AI-powered academic assistance for educational enrichment only. All AI responses are for academic guidance and should never be considered as legal advice or official university guidance.

Our Core Principles

AI as Assistant, Not Authority

  • • AI provides academic guidance, not definitive legal analysis
  • • No AI response should replace official course materials
  • • Always consult your lecturer for authoritative guidance
  • • AI suggestions are starting points for further research

Transparency & Honesty

  • • Every AI response includes clear disclaimers
  • • We're transparent about AI limitations and uncertainties
  • • Source citations provided where applicable
  • • Clear distinction between AI guidance and official sources

Student Empowerment

  • • Students can flag inaccurate or confusing AI responses
  • • Feedback helps improve AI accuracy over time
  • • Year-specific guidance tailored to your academic level
  • • Supporting your learning journey, not replacing it

Academic Integrity

  • • Promotes understanding, not academic shortcuts
  • • Encourages critical thinking and independent research
  • • Supports Durham University's academic standards
  • • Guides toward original thought and proper citation

Understanding AI Limitations

What Our AI Can Do:

  • ✅ Explain complex legal concepts in accessible language
  • ✅ Suggest research directions and case law to explore
  • ✅ Help organize thoughts for essays and assignments
  • ✅ Provide study strategies and exam preparation guidance
  • ✅ Offer emotional support and wellbeing advice

What Our AI Cannot Do:

  • ❌ Provide legal advice or professional legal opinions
  • ❌ Replace official Durham University course materials
  • ❌ Guarantee accuracy of legal interpretations
  • ❌ Complete assignments or exams on your behalf
  • ❌ Make authoritative statements about current law

Your Responsibilities as a Student

Academic Integrity

  • • Use AI assistance as a learning tool, not a shortcut
  • • Always cite sources and acknowledge AI assistance where required
  • • Ensure your work reflects your own understanding
  • • Follow Durham University's academic integrity policies

Critical Thinking

  • • Verify AI suggestions against official sources
  • • Question and analyze AI responses critically
  • • Seek multiple perspectives on complex legal issues
  • • Develop your own legal reasoning skills

Help Us Improve

🛡️ Report Inaccurate Content

Found an AI response that seems incorrect, misleading, or confusing? Your feedback helps us maintain high academic standards and improve our AI systems.

  • • Use the “🛡️ Flag Inaccurate / Confusing” button on any AI response
  • • Provide specific details about what seems incorrect
  • • Suggest improvements or corrections where possible
  • • Your feedback is reviewed by our academic team

Contact & Support

Questions about our ethics framework or concerns about AI responses? We're here to help maintain the highest standards of academic integrity.

Academic Integrity Concerns: Use the feedback system on any AI response

Technical Issues: Contact support through the app settings

Ethics Questions: Refer to this page and our Terms of Use

This ethics framework is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure the highest standards of academic integrity and AI transparency for Durham Law students.

Last updated: 04/08/2025