By Anna Curry

A unique point of interest about the possible use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been raised within the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ). During a moderated consultative session, the delegation of China urged the CCPCJ to consider utilizing AI to ensure equal access to justice for all. 

According to Representative Michael Malyszek of China, AI could be helpful “through the automation of court scheduling, expediting the dissemination of information, providing interactive dashboards to increase comprehension of legal frameworks, extending outreach to areas that are sparsely populated and assisting with language barriers by providing translation of court documents.” Therefore, AI could potentially make processes within legal systems more efficient and provide better access to justice for marginalized communities.

There remain several complications and critiques of China’s proposition concerning AI. Immediately following China’s statement, the United States Representative, Ally Brodin, spoke in opposition. 

“[AI] is not in a state where it would be able to assist that much with the things we [would be] asking it to do” within the judicial system. Brodin continued, declaring “AI is not meant to replace lawyers.” 

Representative Charlie Preiss of Austria also echoed these concerns, specifically expressing worry about the errors and biases of this new technology.

In addition to these concerns, other Member States have addressed a separate issue. As AI is a new and developing technology, not every country has equal capabilities in this regard.

Representative Amelia Raible of Czechia stated “many underdeveloped or less developed countries do not have access to AI or [the necessary technology] for it.” Representatives from the Member States of Canada, Chile, Finland, Paraguay and the United States have also expressed this same sentiment. 

Discussions remain in progress on whether to recognize AI as a tool to be used within the justice system.