Artificial intelligence is set to become a core component of the UK justice system, according to the government’s newly released AI Action Plan for Justice. Among the featured case studies are the use of automated transcription tools for court hearings and oral judgments, as well as a "knowledge retrieval assistant" capable of scanning over 300 unstructured documents to generate concise answers for court staff.

The plan, published last week, sets out three key strategic priorities, one of which is embedding AI across the justice system. This will be supported by the creation of a dedicated "Justice AI Unit" and new investments in staff development and partnerships with "legal services providers and regulators to support AI-driven legal innovation." Pilots have already begun. HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) tested AI transcription technology in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber. The technology "could speed up manual transcription, enable transcripts where none currently exist and improve public access to court proceedings," the plan explains. "Early findings have been encouraging, and HMCTS is continuing to explore options to expand this pilot subject to funding." Another pilot involves a "generative AI knowledge retrieval assistant" that answers staff queries by analyzing more than 300 unstructured documents. The tool provides a summary answer along with a source citation. "Evaluation showed court staff could access the information they need so they can digest key information more quickly, ultimately increasing the pace of case administration in the justice system. Following a successful pilot, we are now exploring ways to scale the solution."

In the foreword, Lord Timpson (James Timpson), Minister for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending, and the Ministry of Justice's lead on AI, said: "I am proud to represent a department that is fundamentally rethinking its use of technology to improve outcomes for the public and contribute to wider economic growth. I will continue to champion our ambition for the MoJ to lead the way in responsible and impactful AI adoption across government."

The Law Society has welcomed the initiative. Chief Executive Ian Jeffery said: "The new plan for justice highlights the opportunities AI offers to strengthen the legal system, but we must recognise the need to mitigate the risks too. The Law Society’s AI strategy has innovation, impact and integrity as key pillars to ensure technology is used in an ethical way to benefit the public and legal professionals alike." Jeffery also renewed the Society’s call for a government-funded AI tool that helps people understand legal issues. "This could work along similar lines to the online NHS 111 service, guiding people to support on legal problems such as divorce, employment, housing and wills," he said.

"AI has an important role to play in justice and the legal sector. It offers new opportunities that we must harness but also challenges that we must bravely address."

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Source: Michael Cross, The Law Society Gazette