The Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence

The Global Judicial Integrity Network is examining the emerging use of AI in justice systems. AI applications are increasingly being developed as technological advancements are made, but AI remains largely unregulated. The Network hopes to share good practices and promote the ethical use of AI. 

Activities related to AI in the Judiciary

 

The Global Judicial Integrity Network already began exploring the ethical use of AI in judiciaries at its official launch in April 2018, when a panel discussion on AI and court administration was organized by the Research Institute on Judicial Systems as one of the breakout sessions. Following the event, panellist Francesco Contini then wrote an article on AI based upon his experience drafting the Council of Europe's recent guidelines on the use of AI. His comprehensive opinion piece that is featured on our website provides a solid overview of the issues that arise. Diana Graski of the National Center for State Courts was also featured in a podcast episode, which further describes the use of AI to tackle case backlogs in judiciaries.

In addition to these activities, the Network was involved in the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea's Judicial Policy Research Institute's international conference in Seoul and UN Global Pulse Meeting on the Governance of Data and AI in Geneva, where we contributed to discussions on the topic. Furthermore, a panel on AI was organized by the Global Judicial Integrity Network as part of the World Bank's Law, Justice, and Development Week in 2019, as well as at the Second High-Level Event of the Network in Doha, Qatar in 2020. The Network recently presented in the Gender Equity breakthrough track at the AI for Good Global Summit, and participants can  watch the recording of the final presentation online.

Many judiciaries have begun using AI applications to improve efficiency. However, while Artificial Intelligence brings with it a great potential for improvement, judiciaries should be mindful of potential challenges to ethical principles, such as transparency, accountability and impartiality when developing new projects. Of course, when using new technology, judiciaries should still ensure that they are upholding the Bangalore Principles.

As an emerging field, the use of AI in judiciaries remains largely unregulated by specific guidelines and the Network hopes to draw on the expertise and good practices of its participants in the coming months to fill this gap.  

 

Artificial Intelligence and Court Administration

In an interview with UNODC, Diana Graski of the National Center for State Courts keeps a comprehensive overview of AI applications for case management.

 

Webinar: The Use of AI in the Administration of Justice

Professor Karen Yeung of the University of Birmingham discusses challenges and benefits of AI applications.

Further Resources

The following sources are related to the use of AI by judiciaries. These documents include national, regional and international guidelines and plans on AI applications.

 

Articles

Artificial Intelligence: A New Trojan Horse for Undue Influence on Judiciaries?

Francesco Contini of the Research Institute on Judicial Systems of the National Research Council in Italy discuss incorporating AI into judicial processes.

 

Modern judicial challenges, such as gender and AI, at the heart of debates in Seoul

Read more about the Network's participation in AI discussions with the Judicial Policy Research Institute of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea. 

 

COVID-19, Technology, and Access to Justice

Justice Madan Lokur of India discusses the response of the Indian judiciary to COVID-19, as well as plans for new AI projects in the future.