Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Courts

In an era of rapid technological advancement, justice systems around the world stand at the threshold of a profound transformation. Digitalization and artificial intelligence offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, broaden access to legal remedies, and bring courts closer to citizens. Yet, as judicial processes become increasingly digitalized and automated, critical questions arise: how can we ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in online dispute resolution (ODR) and AI-driven systems? What protections must be in place to preserve privacy, uphold fundamental rights, and ensure that technology serves, rather than undermines, the core principles of justice?Positioned at the intersection between technology and justice, Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Courts: Opportunities and Challenges explores these questions. The first part of the volume considers strategies for bridging the digital divide, explores the potential for process pluralism, outlines data protection requirements, and emphasizes the necessity of robust cybersecurity frameworks. It also tackles one of the most pressing concerns of the digital era: fostering trust and legal certainty in a virtual justice system. The second part presents a comparative analysis of selected groundbreaking national and cross-border court digitalization initiatives, from England and the United States to China, Pakistan, and the European Union. The final part examines the role of AI in courts, offering a critical reflection on its promises and perils, from algorithmic bias to the controversial concept of "AI judges."Through a rigorous and balanced analysis, the authors map the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digitalized legal landscape. Essential for legal professionals, policymakers, and scholars, Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Courts serves as a fundamental guide to navigating the future of justice systems and technology in the twenty-first century.Includes a foreword by Lord Briggs of Westbourne, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.