AI in the Courtroom: Exploring the Potential for Artificial Intelligence as Legal Decision-Makers
By
Lauren Feiner
Pulled from the oven just right. Trustworthy, fact-dense, deeply satisfying.
Summary
The article explores the potential use of AI in the legal system, specifically examining whether artificial intelligence could serve as a judge or decision-maker in court proceedings. It features Bridget McCormack, former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, who is now working on developing AI legal decision-makers. The article discusses how AI judges could potentially address issues like overwhelming caseloads, ensure transparency by showing their work, and verify that all parties agree on the facts. However, it also raises questions about the technology's use, including concerns about effectiveness, ethics, and the fundamental role of human judgment in legal proceedings.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledBridget McCormack is used to correcting judges' work. As the former chief justice on the Michigan Supreme Court, it was her job to review complaints about how judges at the lower courts failed to consider key evidence or rule on certain aspects of a case.
In her current job, McCormack is working on a new kind of legal decision-maker. Like a judge, it would make mistakes. But unlike many judges, it wouldn't be burdened by more casework than it had hours in the day.
It could make sure to always show its work, check that each side agreed it understood all the facts, and ensure it ruled on each issue.
Some legal experts believe AI can make the process of reaching a court ruling or arbitration settlement cheaper and more effective, but the technology's use raises new questions.
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