While laws are clear-cut, their application is seldom straightforward. It is logical then to assume that a judge would have an appreciation for the arts. Justice Tanya R. Kennedy, an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department in New York, is uniquely positioned to appreciate the artistry involved in the practice of law.

Justice Kennedy 鈥� as an educator, during her legal practice, and during her time on the bench 鈥� has valued the nuanced craft of delivering justice, and this is all an extension of her love for the arts.

She has served as a jurist for nearly two decades, with experience spanning the Criminal, Civil, Family, and Supreme Courts. Throughout her tenure, Justice Kennedy has consistently demonstrated a commitment to staying at the forefront of the legal profession through active participation in professional associations, ongoing education, and her role as an adjunct professor. Since 2017, as part of her role with the National Association of Women Judges, Justice Kennedy has demonstrated a strong commitment to continuing legal education, particularly in the area of technology.

This dedication led her to explore artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) following the public release of ChatGPT in 2022. She has also encouraged her students to engage with this technology and believes that 鈥渢he current and future gatekeepers must be mentally agile to deliver justice. GenAI can sort of replace some of those mundane tasks, allowing more time for substantive work.鈥�

Bringing GenAI into the courts

Justice Kennedy鈥檚 perspective on mental agility and preparation aligns with the principles upheld in academia. Indeed, educational initiatives in this area are underway, according to the American Bar Association鈥檚 report, , with more than half of the surveyed law schools (55%) indicating that they offer courses specifically designed to educate students about AI. Additionally, an overwhelming majority (83%) reported the availability of curricular opportunities, including clinics, in which students can learn to utilize AI tools effectively.

Overall, professional work is advancing in a manner that necessitates understanding all forms of AI. In fact, almost two-thirds (64%) of government professionals believe that the use of AI can be a positive force in their organizations, according to 成人VR视频鈥� 2^nd annual Future of Professionals Report 鈥� and Justice Kennedy supports that perception.

鈥淚 wholeheartedly agree that AI is likely going to be a force for good,鈥� she says. 鈥淲hile no technology is without its drawbacks, when used in a transparent, ethical, thoughtful, and knowledgeable way, it can indeed be beneficial.鈥�

Among the changes that will come from the use of GenAI and other forms of AI is more efficiency in communicating with the court, and Justice Kennedy sees the glass being half full when it comes to the changes in the methods of communication. She says her view is that AI will change the way people and courts communicate, with some of the biggest changes including:

• • • • Virtual hearings 鈥� AI can facilitate virtual court appearances through video conferencing platforms, which can include AI-driven tools to manage scheduling, notifications, and technical support. This reduces the need for a physical presence in the courtroom, saving time and resources.
      • Automated transcription 鈥� AI-powered transcription services can provide real-time transcriptions of court proceedings, ensuring accurate and immediate records. This can also assist in reviewing and analyzing court records more efficiently.
      • Scheduling & case management 鈥� AI can optimize scheduling for court appearances by analyzing caseloads and participant availability, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient process. AI can also help in managing case documentation and deadlines.
      • Language translation 鈥� AI translation services can assist non-native speakers by providing real-time translation during court hearings, improving accessibility and understanding for all parties involved.
      • Predictive analytics 鈥� AI can analyze past case data to provide insights and predictions about potential case outcomes, helping legal professionals prepare more effectively.
      • Document review & preparation 鈥� AI can assist in reviewing legal documents and preparing case materials, speeding up the process and ensuring thoroughness.

Considering these options, it seems that the biggest changes will be to scheduling and case management software. The analysis of necessary data and documents to manage the case load makes it much easier for individuals to interact with the court.

As advancements in GenAI and AI continue, it is essential to maintain vigilance in adopting and integrating these new tools. As Justice Kennedy suggests, the legal field must consistently prepare for these developments through both academic courses and continuing legal education. Indeed, this preparation will serve as the foundation for upholding justice in the evolving landscape and ultimately become the brush in the art of legal work.

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You can hear more insights from Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell on here

While much of the current discussion among lawyers and judges has focused on the ethical implications and practical applications of large language models, it鈥檚 important to recognize that AI and other technological advancements extend far beyond that. I鈥檓 convinced we鈥檙e in the midst of a revolution that will fundamentally reshape our world and our roles as judicial officers.

, author and AI visionary at Google, recently published a second book about what he calls, the singularity. In it, he describes the exponential growth of AI capabilities and other technological advancements, predicting that in the not-so-distant future, machine intelligence will surpass that of even the smartest humans. Kurzweil also believes that eventually human and machine intelligence will merge, and AI will be a seamless extension of our brains 鈥� hence the term, singularity.

In physics, the term singularity is used to describe the point at which space-time collapses on itself, and the laws of physics break down. Kurzweil borrows this term to describe the point in time when humans merge with AI via brain-to-computer interfaces, predicting this will occur around 2045.

AI in common use

Consider this: your AI-powered personal assistant 鈥� like Siri or Alexa 鈥� currently operates like an extension of you and your brain. You don鈥檛 have to write a to-do list, just tell Siri to remind you. You don鈥檛 need mental math for your expanded recipe, give it to Co-Pilot, tell it how many people are served by the recipe and how many more you expect, and it will quickly adjust every measurement for you. Eventually, these AI assistants will become so attuned to our activities and preferences that they鈥檒l anticipate our needs and requests.

I鈥檓 convinced we鈥檙e in the midst of a revolution that will fundamentally reshape our world and our roles as judicial officers.

This vision of the future may seem distant, but as Kurzweil explains, AI systems are already being used for incredible breakthroughs. For example, biotech company uses machine learning to detect cancer; and , a machine learning-based algorithm used as an early warning system in medicine, is credited with lowering sepsis deaths by approximately 20%. , which uses x-ray images to train an AI neural network for diagnoses, has outperformed human doctors.

Future AI applications are almost limitless. Imagine a smart watch that so precisely interprets biometric data, that it detects an oncoming heart attack and saves your life. Or one that communicates seamlessly with the cloud so your information can be downloaded by your doctor and your treatment finely tailored to your body鈥檚 specific needs.

According to Kurzweil, these and other biomedical advancements will mean some of us who are alive today may live healthy lives past our current maximum life span of 120 years. In fact, Kurzweil predicts that as a result of dramatic discoveries largely driven by advanced AI, people will achieve 鈥渓ongevity escape velocity鈥� by around 2030.

Taking in all of this, one thing becomes certain: autonomous systems and breakthrough technologies will completely change how we work, live, and play.

The role of the judiciary

This is precisely why the judiciary must be well-attuned. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, new legal issues will emerge. Data privacy laws continue to evolve to address the increased use of AI to collect, analyze, and store data. Intellectual property and copyright disputes will look different as it becomes more difficult to determine ownership. Cybercrime will be increasingly complex. And the federal rules of evidence are already being tested by so-called deepfakes. We once thought a video recording was unassailable 鈥� now, we must think about authenticity in entirely new ways.

In a world in which AI becomes so sophisticated that humans begin to delegate key decision-making to our robo-friends, the judiciary may even have to re-think some of the bedrocks of our legal system 鈥� like the concepts of duty and breach, which may have to stretch or altogether transform.

The need to adapt judicially in the wake of a revolution is nothing new. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century was revolutionary, making the mass production of books and wide dissemination of knowledge possible. With it came an entirely new set of disputes. For example, in England, a were aimed at controlling and censoring what could be printed, resulting in meaningful and unsurprising pushback. On one hand, there was real fear that unchecked printing could spread seditious or heretical ideas; and on the other, people like John Milton began laying the groundwork for our hallowed freedoms of speech and the press. Courts of the time had to grapple with opposing views and navigate the delicate balance between state control and individual rights. Their decisions shaped British law and meaningfully influenced the U.S. Constitution.

We must understand where AI is today, where it鈥檚 going tomorrow, and the many ways it can help us solve humanity鈥檚 greatest challenges.

The Industrial Revolution was another turning point. It transformed economies and brought about significant societal change that required judicial adaptation. For example, with the rise of factories and demand for labor, courts were frequently called upon to protect vulnerable populations. Labor laws evolved to meet the moment. And eventually 鈥� after thousands of factory fatalities and injuries highlighted an urgent need 鈥� 听a new framework was born. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, an independent agency whose primary function would be to resolve disputes arising from OSHA citations. This was not the first specialized and streamlined adjudicative process to be implemented, but it illustrates how a revolution calls upon the various branches of government to adapt.

We must meet the moment

The AI revolution will similarly call upon us to adjust and advance. This revolution will bring about a societal transformation like no other 鈥� indeed, some compare it to the advent of fire, tools, or agriculture. I believe it will be even more transformative, in part because of the break-neck speed of new developments.

In an open letter from the calling for , labs were accused of engaging in an 鈥渙ut-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one 鈥� not even their creators 鈥� can understand, predict, or reliably control.鈥� Yet, most of the developed world has now joined this out-of-control race, and very advanced AI is likely to touch every aspect of our lives sooner than we think.

Unfettered AI can have disastrous consequences, we know that already. Lawsuits have been filed towards extremely dangerous behavior, and the fear of an AI-robot takeover is feeling less like science fiction these days. After all, if AI is poised to surpass human intelligence, what鈥檚 to say it can鈥檛 take control and become an existential threat to our species?

But we cannot allow these dangers to paralyze us.

To safeguard against AI鈥檚 peril, we must be willing to grapple with its promise. We must understand where AI is today, where it鈥檚 going tomorrow, and the many ways it can help us solve humanity鈥檚 greatest challenges. Only then 鈥� only when we truly engage and understand AI鈥檚 possibilities and promise 鈥� can we reasonably and appropriately safeguard against the dangers.

Granted, some of this is necessarily the work of lawmakers and regulators, but the judiciary is uniquely positioned to anticipate disputes, understand the legal implications of AI across different industries, and consider how unique adjudicatory frameworks might avoid some of the chaos that follows technological disruption.

History is being written before our very eyes. We are at the beginning of an epochal shift, and our work during this turning point will be age-defining. We must meet the moment to ensure justice for all.

You can find more information in the 成人VR视频 Institute’s new AI in Courts Resource Center听here

Our childhood experiences frequently influence our identities, even if we don’t fully grasp their significance in the moment. One such moment 鈥� when a young 鈥淛ay鈥� Francis was sitting with his family in the back of the bus when public transportation was still segregated 鈥� left a profound impact on him. As he grew into an adult, he came to comprehend the immense importance and implications of those actions. Years later, he would become the Honorable James Francis, serving as a United States Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of New York, including a two-year term as Chief Magistrate Judge, until his retirement in 2017.

Judge Francis’s formative years, including high school activism, guided him to clerk for the Hon. Robert L. Carter, the attorney in the landmark . This experience deepened his commitment to equality and significantly influenced his legal career choices, eventually shaping his specialty in practice and leading him to pursue a judicial appointment.

Upon retiring from the bench, Judge Francis continues his work in Alternative Dispute Resolution, and his passion also drives him to stay abreast of technological advancements in the judicial field.

Utilization of AI

Similar to many judges, Judge Francis makes a distinction between artificial intelligence (AI) and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), acknowledging the current and significant value AI brings to certain court functions, such as computer-assisted research, spell-check, grammar review, and similar tasks. Judge Francis also recognizes the future necessity of AI in the legal field; however, he emphasizes the importance of thoroughly vetting any AI tools before they can be fully integrated into court operations.

His perspective begins with the utilization of AI and computer-assisted learning, which eliminates the laborious task of shepardizing cases using hardbound books to search for other cases that cited a specific case and their treatment of that case. This arduous task has been obviated by AI-driven search methods, which enable a more comprehensive and efficient search process. Tools like this make the court more efficient overall and contribute greatly to access to justice, Judge Francis explains, adding that it is imperative to make sure that courts capitalize on these tools.

When assessing the value of AI and GenAI as instruments for advancement, it is evident that their impact will be substantial, he continues. With adequate preparation, these tools can replace a retiring administrative workforce and enable individuals to transition into more technical and skilled roles, resulting in overall cost savings and improvements in the legal system.

However, as the system progresses, it seems apparent that there will not be significant changes in how people interact with the court. 鈥淎I is not going to fundamentally change the way that people communicate with the court,鈥� Judge Francis says. 鈥淐ertainly, lawyers are going to be careful about what they submit to the court, so even if there’s AI in the background, I don’t think that a court would necessarily recognize a change in the way [the communications are] being presented.鈥�

The digital divide

When considering AI and GenAI improvements to efficiency and cost savings, however, it is also important to consider the digital divide. Judge Francis notes that there are two distinct digital divides that currently exist: one based on sophistication, and another based on economics. The sophistication divide arises from differences in the comprehension and usage of new technologies; and the economic divide stems from the lack of financial resources needed to access or utilize these new technologies.

The gap in sophistication persists due to differences in education and the user-friendliness of certain technological tools or platforms. Some AI tools are accessible to everyone, while others demand the use of complex software or specialized training. This disparity can make these technologies harder to use for those with limited interaction with such complex systems, he says.

The economic gap, on the other hand, is much more fundamental. Individuals without the financial wherewithal often times do not have the ability to take advantage of AI-driven tools, no matter how basic. This applies to individuals who lack access to the internet or smartphones. No matter how productive and user-friendly any new options are, they are useless to the individual who has no way to access them, Judge Francis adds.

Fortunately, there is a market-based solution to both divides. As new advanced tools are developed, people will get better at using them, which, in turn, will bring the sophistication divide closer together. There will also be more products introduced into the market that will help make these products more accessible and affordable, decreasing the digital divide.

Conclusion

The Hon. Judge Francis鈥� career has been centered on ensuring equality and access to justice. For others to achieve comprehensive justice, it is crucial for them to stay abreast of technological progress, he explains, especially as AI and GenAI continue to consistently demonstrate their worth. These innovations will eventually propel courts into a future that ensures a higher standard of justice.

You can hear on a special edition of the 成人VR视频 Institute Insight podcast, on Spotify.

The post is part of a limited series of blog posts and podcasts presented by the 成人VR视频 Institute,听Revolutionizing Rights: AI and the Future of Legal Equality, that will provide perspectives on the use of AI in the legal sphere

It is often assumed that judges have always been solely dedicated to the law and harbored judicial ambitions from the start. However, Judge Samuel A. Thumma initially pursued a career in veterinary medicine when he began college.

Early in his academic journey, however, a re-evaluation of his strengths redirected him into the field of law. After a degree in agricultural journalism from Iowa State University, he then earned a JD from the University of Iowa College of Law and an MJS from Duke University School of Law. He spent more than 15 years in private practice before becoming a judge, serving as a trial judge for five years and an appellate judge for more than a dozen years.

Now, Judge Thumma is deeply committed to the legal community and its advancement and serves the American Bar Association (ABA) as a Presidential appointee to the Advisory Council of the ABA鈥檚 Task Force on Law & Artificial Intelligence as well as the Standing Committee on Lawyer Referral & Information Services.

Judge Thumma approaches his judicial duties with profound seriousness, grounded in his commitment to public service. 鈥淭o me, the essential thing is that we remember that we, the judges, courts, and everyone working for the courts, are public servants,鈥� he says. 鈥淚f we forget that, we lose our identity and purpose.鈥� And he doesn鈥檛 settle for merely maintaining the status quo or for following traditional paths; instead, he stands out as an innovator and leader within the legal field. Indeed, this innovative nature led him to consider the importance of technology in the courts.

In discussing AI, Judge Thumma distinctly separates general AI, such as spell check systems, from generative AI (GenAI), like the publicly available tool ChatGPT. There is no question that if someone needs help spelling, they will use spell check in a formal setting. Using GenAI is a more complex question and comes with its own criticisms and caveats. In addition to what AI-driven tools can be used appropriately, the question then becomes should they be used, and then, how can those involved fulfill their ethical duty while doing so.

Comprehending GenAI鈥檚 impact

After using AI for many years in general work, there was a huge change in the landscape when Chat GPT was released. The sheer magnitude and force of change that was brought by the potential use of GenAI tools, caused Judge Thumma to focus on comprehending this new technology, as it would inevitably come before him. As a judge, he explained that understanding the new technology and preparing for its use is always the most prudent course of action.

While beginning to understand how aspects of GenAI might appear in cases before the court, it also became clear that other aspect of AI-related programming might be useful for the court in expanding access to justice.

This realization put an emphasis on exploring AI-driven tools and applications within the judicial system. In many cases, GenAI can expedite the service of justice, which is critical, because often justice delayed is justice denied.

As innovation advances, Judge Thumma says that beyond simply assessing efficiency, we must also remain cognizant of other changes. 鈥淎I and GenAI will heighten focus on the digital divide,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his will further advocate for initiatives like universal Wi-Fi and access to computer systems.鈥�

Indeed, it’s essential to acknowledge the needs of those seeking these services. After all, what use is an easy-to-complete form or a more-accessible virtual hearing if individuals cannot access those innovations due to insufficient internet or lack of smartphones? 鈥淭he courts appear to benefit inadvertently from efforts to reduce the digital divide. Measures like establishing universal access to high-speed internet can facilitate communication between self-represented litigants and the court. These initiatives not only bridge the digital divide but also close the gap created by geography.鈥�

Weighing the good and the bad

The influence of technology on the judicial system goes beyond just performing simple research or creating basic documents. When considering future court rulings, Judge Thumma says he anticipates that extensive datasets will more likely be leveraged to swiftly set standards for precedents, allowing similar or almost identical cases to be resolved quickly. This vision is analogous to Amazon’s application of AI in handling minor customer service concerns before involving a human representative.

While by no means does this advocate on not having judge, it does advocate for resolving minor issues 鈥� like scheduling conferences and discovery disputes 鈥� expeditiously, as they don鈥檛 usually require extended judicial intervention. In essence, this process keeps a human in the loop while making sure cases can progress.

As we look deeper into what GenAI can provide, it becomes important to weigh the good and the bad, Judge Thumma notes. 鈥淚 am both excited for and leery of how we can identify what data to keep, how to better use data, how to better schedule and structure things within the court,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 want to make the court system simpler and easier for individuals who are not represented by lawyers. We need to see how we can put things in place that help people both in court and to avoid the court system altogether, when possible.鈥�

At the heart of both the excitement and concerns, there are large quantities of data 鈥� and clearly, the development of GenAI for use in courts will necessitate the implementation of safeguards to protect personal information and prevent misuse.

Further, it鈥檚 critical that courts and government aid agencies not be allowed to fall behind on technology, Judge Thumma says, acknowledging the current financial aspects to this lag and noting some of the significant upfront costs that need to be considered before any GenAI program can be implemented. Yet, there are benefits that justify these upfront costs. And a failure to pursue these advanced technologies will hinder the ability of courts and judges to provide justice, and access to justice, to those most in need. Indeed, it is important that courts consistently observe GenAI鈥檚 ability to enhance their own capabilities and remain committed to pursuing that objective.

You can hear听 on a special edition of the 成人VR视频 Institute Insight podcast, on Spotify.

The post is part of a limited series of blog posts and podcasts presented by the 成人VR视频 Institute,听Revolutionizing Rights: AI and the Future of Legal Equality, that will provide perspectives on the use of AI in the legal sphere

To understand Hon. Judge Robert J. Torres, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Guam, is to appreciate the pride he takes in his enduring 45-year marriage to Guam Senator Mary Camacho Torres. Together, they have three children and 11 grandchildren. This large family keeps Judge Torres youthful and enthusiastic about learning new technologies, and he enjoys spending time at the dinner table with them, experimenting with prompts on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) platforms.

The gleam in his eye when he talks about his family mirrors the enthusiasm he displays when discussing Guam and its legal framework. He envisions a promising future as the judiciary progresses to more effectively serve the community. In many ways, his constituents appear to be an extension of the family he holds dear. And serving his constituents as a judicial official requires a delicate balance.

Getting to know AI

Judge Torres finds ways to get acquainted with AI through family games and discussions, but he knows that this has much larger implications. 鈥淕enAI has quickly gained recognition, with automation of legal research, simplifying court forms, processes, and generally helping the self-represented,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t is changing already the way users are communicating with the courts and interacting with the courts. We’re seeing it also change in the way lawyers are preparing and using advanced research, using advanced drafting tools, and getting more information.鈥�

Indeed, Judge Torres鈥� perspective aligns with views of the majority of government employees surveyed in 成人VR视频鈥� recent 2024 Future of Professionals Report. 鈥淚 see substantial benefits in using generative AI,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t is indeed a positive force, but it requires certain conditions and proper safeguards.鈥� Judge Torres offers a nuanced view on adopting AI within the judicial system, but acknowledges several clear advantages, such as its ability to provide realistic case assessments and potentially speed up the resolution of straightforward matters, like traffic infractions.

As one of the judges responsible for improving citizens鈥� access to justice, Judge Torres says he feels 鈥渨e need to have more scrutiny around the processes surrounding data generation, and then [the need for] a human in the loop 鈥� because you need human supervision to avoid the hallucinations.鈥� Judge Torres also explains that the need for caution, as well as an eye toward ethical concerns, the environmental impact of AI, and the importance of human oversight are paramount.

Grasping the authentication of documents is also a crucial element in the judicial process. 鈥淎s a judge, it’s essential to comprehend the challenges posed by AI,鈥� Judge Torres explains. 鈥淩ecognizing its limitations and ethical considerations can help you be more prepared for the inquiries you’ll need to make when generative AI is presented to you.鈥�

Still work to be done

A look into the final adjudication process shows there is still work to be done. 鈥淚 think that there’s value to the use of AI in the adjudication and arbitration process. It might be able to help with online adjudication for traffic cases, reducing delays, ensuring timely justice for that,鈥� he continues. 鈥淎I can also give these people more realistic views, sometimes of what their case might be worth, and give them information about people in similar situations generally.鈥�

Judge Torres warns that those courts that fail to explore AI’s potential may risk losing public trust, yet using AI without thorough questioning can equally erode their confidence. The duty of competence for both lawyers and judges to understand AI’s benefits and risks, underscoring the need for a basic proficiency to navigate the evolving legal landscape responsibly, is critical, he adds.

Just as courts have a responsibility to understand GenAI, legal practitioners have a similar duty. 鈥淔or both lawyers and judges, there’s a duty of competence, and that doesn’t mean you have to become a data analyst, but you must stay informed about changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks of technology.,鈥� Judge Torres explains. 鈥淭he most important aspect of the proficiency lawyers and judges must maintain is having a basic understanding of the technology. They need to know how AI can assist them, how it can mitigate associated risks, and how biased data can lead to biased outcomes.鈥�

Today, Judge Robert Torres stands at the forefront of a judicial revolution, one that harmonizes tradition with the transformative power of AI-driven technology. His balanced approach to the integration of AI within the legal system reflects a profound understanding of both its potential and its pitfalls. By advocating for responsible use, ethical scrutiny, and unwavering human oversight, Judge Torres ensures that advancements serve justice without compromising integrity.

His leadership in this area not only propels the judiciary into the future but also fortifies public trust in an era of rapid change. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the insights and commitment of legal pioneers like Judge Torres will undoubtedly guide us towards a more efficient, equitable, and transparent administration of justice.

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The post is part of a limited series of blog posts and podcasts presented by the 成人VR视频 Institute,听Revolutionizing Rights: AI and the Future of Legal Equality, that will provide perspectives on the use of AI in the legal sphere

Judge Pamela Gates has worked hard to foster a legal atmosphere that鈥檚 centered on the people served by the courts and that champions the cause of equitable justice for all. Judge Gates has been a member of the Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona since 2009 and currently acts as the Associate Presiding Judge. In that role she has been committed to promoting progress, impartiality, and excellence in the judicial system.

In addition to her judicial duties, Judge Gates chairs and is a member of various committees tasked with evaluating the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to improve judicial proceedings, along with the challenges and prospects it presents for the evolution of legal systems.

In conversations about AI and the courts, Judge Gates often clarifies the key difference between AI and generative AI (GenAI), in that AI is a broad term that refers to any system or machine that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision-making, natural language processing, computer vision, and speech recognition. GenAI, on the other hand, is a subset of AI that can create new data or content from existing data or content, such as text, images, audio, or video. For example, GenAI can generate realistic faces of people who do not exist or write coherent paragraphs of text on a given topic or at in a specific style.

Optimizing the journey through the legal system

Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge Gates work at a very prestigious law firm. Her background in managing a client-oriented legal practice 鈥� with an emphasis on optimizing the client鈥檚 journey through the legal system and court proceedings 鈥� has influenced her perception of how technology could benefit the public good. “I believe there may be future merit in ensuring judicial officers recognize their own possible biases, and in employing predictive AI or other tools to help ensure impartiality,” she said.

Her support of AI and GenAI often prompts a critical inquiry into the constraints associated with employing GenAI within legal proceedings. Judge Gates acknowledges the technology鈥檚 capability to generate original content or information, yet it falls short of substituting human discernment and decision-making. “I am convinced that GenAI will not supplant the human element of judicial decision-making, which entails the assessment of facts and the subsequent application of these assessed facts to the law,” she explains.

“I think courts need to 鈥� if they haven’t already 鈥� start assessing the impact of Gen AI on the courts. They need to immediately begin evaluating what AI and GenAI tools already are here and what’s going to be coming.”

This is a critical distinction 鈥� GenAI can help in the lead-up and analytical stages of litigation, but it can never substitute humans as the final arbiter of cases.

One of the challenges that Judge Gates often discusses is the digital divide 鈥� the gap between those who have access to information and communication technologies (such as computers, smartphones, and the internet) and those who do not. The digital divide can affect various aspects of social and economic life, such as education, health, employment, civic participation, and justice. The digital divide also can be influenced by factors such as income, education, age, gender, race, geography, and disability.

Bridging the digital divide

Judge Gates emphasizes the need to balance the benefits of technology with the risks of creating or widening the digital divide, especially for members of marginalized or vulnerable groups who may not have access to online platforms. “I think it’s that making sure that we can make our courts and our systems more accessible to people, but just as important, we must make sure that we don’t increase that digital divide,” she says.

She also urged the courts to be proactive and prepared for the inevitable changes that AI will bring to the legal landscape. “I think courts need to 鈥� if they haven’t already 鈥� start assessing the impact of Gen AI on the courts,鈥� she explains. 鈥淭hey need to immediately begin evaluating what AI and GenAI [tools are] already here and what’s going to be coming鈥� Courts and other legal professionals need to start assessing the tools that are out there and determine which ones people should use and which they should avoid using, she says, adding that, more importantly, courts need to understand what happens when citizens access or use some of these tools and who now has access to it.

Clearly, Judge Gates is someone who is not afraid to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo. She is revolutionizing the rights of the people by using technology as a tool for empowerment and equity.

Judge Gates is a trailblazer in the field of law and technology, who advocates for the use of GenAI to enhance the quality and accessibility of justice. She is aware of the opportunities and challenges that both AI and GenAI pose for the legal system, and she is committed to finding solutions that balance the needs and rights of all stakeholders.

You can hear听more 听on a special edition of the 成人VR视频 Institute Insight podcast, on Spotify

A small change in course can lead to a larger change for society. Take the example of Carlos Martinez, who progressed from working at a gas station to the courtroom, and today holds the role of Public Defender for Miami-Dade County.

And it was one critical event during one summer in the late 1980s 鈥� a moment where Martinez stayed to give a statement after witnessing an accident 鈥� that may have taken his career in a different direction. Without that delay, he could have become counsel for a major oil company instead. Now, he is dedicated to serving his community and representing those who cannot otherwise afford legal assistance.

He also is an example of a legal professional who embraces artificial intelligence (AI) and especially generative AI (GenAI) as a catalyst for positive change. Indeed, Martinez sees the potential of these innovative technologies to revolutionize the legal field and improve the quality and fairness of legal work. He is not afraid of the challenges and risks that GenAI poses, but rather embraces them as opportunities to learn and grow. He also seeks to inspire others to use GenAI as a tool for justice and social change.

Beginning with a solid work ethic

As the son of Cuban exiles, Martinez was instilled with a solid work ethic early on. His family relocated from Cuba to America in 1969, providing him with the foundation needed to work his way through a prestigious high school and giving him the opportunity to go to college. He eventually earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from Florida International University.

Immediately after college, he enrolled in law school with the intention to be a civil corporate attorney. While progressing through law school, he enrolled in an internship program that changes the course of his career. On the day internship locations were assigned, he was delayed as a witness to a car accident. Being the last student to arrive that day led to his assignment in the public defender鈥檚 office, where he discovered his true vocation. After obtaining his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami, he has diligently pursued his own version of the American dream.

鈥淵ou must have a human in the loop because the reality is that human judgment cannot be replaced by GenAI 鈥� a tool can assist, but you must have human in the loop.鈥�

Martinez has spent many years working in the public defender’s office. He progressed from an internship to assistant public defender to the role of the chief public defender. He has strived to guarantee fair treatment for everyone in court. This commitment motivated him to delve into the larger realm of AI and GenAI as resources to support the people he serves.

Overall, Martinez says he views AI as a transformative tool in the legal field, with the potential to enhance legal services and address systemic challenges. He does believe that the distinction needs to be made between AI and GenAI as they have different implications. He passionately believes that properly using GenAI can revolutionize the legal field, feeling that GenAI can help legal professionals work more efficiently, competently, and fairly. He also expressed his hopes for how GenAI can improve legal decision-making and reduce inherent bias.

Optimistic about GenAI鈥檚 impact

Martinez holds a positive and optimistic perspective on GenAI, especially for legal work, and he recognizes GenAI’s potential for better efficiency and time-saving, which in turn would boost legal professionals鈥� competence while aiding in their case preparation. Although he is aware of the concerns surrounding GenAI, he believes its benefits to legal work significantly outweigh those risks, however, he notes that having proper safeguards in place is essential.

He also emphasizes the importance of human judgment and oversight in the use of GenAI. 鈥淵ou must have a human in the loop because the reality is that human judgment cannot be replaced by GenAI,鈥� Martinez explains, adding that there is a place for human judgement based on the facts of the case, the information that鈥檚 available, and the complexity of the situation itself. 鈥淎 GenAI tool can assist the human, but you must have human in the loop.鈥�

Martinez also says he hopes that GenAI can be a force for good in the future, especially in addressing the challenges of bias and discrimination in the legal system. 鈥淢y hope is that GenAI can give us more insight into our decision-making and into others鈥� decision-making, even if it鈥檚 just to make us aware of what’s happening and what appears to be biased.鈥�

This insight into decision-making can have further far-reaching implications. 鈥淢y hope is that GenAI will lead to more insight by the individuals who are involved, if they are open to it, to be able to examine how their own decision-making plays out, what our blind spots are, and how to overcome those things so that we don’t get worse results and more in-grained bias.鈥�

You can hear on a special edition of the 成人VR视频 Institute Insight podcast, on Spotify

The post is part of a new limited series of blog posts and podcasts presented by the 成人VR视频 Institute,听Revolutionizing Rights: AI and the Future of Legal Equality, that will provide perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sphere

The Honorable Maritza Dominguez Braswell draws her values from her heritage. As the daughter of immigrants, Judge Braswell knows the importance of equal rights, access to justice, and the power of the American Dream. Her commitment to these values is deeply intertwined with her passion for progress, innovation, and fresh perspectives.

In fact, throughout her career, Judge Braswell has always found ways to rethink, refresh, and reinvent. In private practice, she and her team were lauded for reimagining the traditional law firm model and leveraging technology to decrease costs to their clients. In state government, Judge Braswell was innovative in the way she managed her teams 鈥� embracing remote work even before the pandemic forced everyone into a new paradigm. And now the on the bench as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Colorado, Judge Braswell has helped drive forward new initiatives, such as uniform practice standards, a new chief magistrate judge position, and pro se summaries in court orders.

The power of AI

However, when it comes to the intersection of innovation and the law, Judge Braswell is most passionate about the promise of artificial intelligence (AI). She sees a future in which AI developments transcend even the realms of science fiction, and everyone benefits. Judge Braswell highlights recent developments in generative AI (GenAI), pointing out that while AI has existed in various forms for a long time, it is the latest advances in GenAI that have taken the world by storm.

鈥淚t is a very powerful tool and getting stronger by the minute. Depending on how we choose to develop it and use it, AI has the potential to lift the tide for everyone,鈥� Judge Braswell explains. 鈥淚t will be revolutionary, but it鈥檚 up to all of us 鈥� especially those with certain skills, authority, and privilege 鈥� to make sure the revolution is good for everyone.鈥�

As AI becomes increasingly woven into our systems, it’s vital for legal professionals to understand and engage with this technology, she says. Neglecting to evolve with it, turning a blind eye to it, or discouraging its use could cause some to lag behind. This is of particular concern to Judge Braswell because it is clear that some lawyers and law firms 鈥� in particular those with means 鈥� are already capitalizing on AI to boost their efficiency. For example, some law firms are building their own large language models, other firms are adopting technology that makes it easier to generate discovery responses, others are leveraging it for back-office support.

鈥淛udges and lawyers are in the best position to place guardrails around this technology, and that can鈥檛 happen if we don鈥檛 understand it. We can鈥檛 bury our heads in the sand and let someone else figure it out for us.”

As some lawyers become more efficient, the gap between them and others will get bigger, and their ability to generate more filings will grow (as the judiciary鈥檚 case load grows in tandem). Judge Braswell warns that if we鈥檙e not careful, AI could distract us with new problems, before it helps us solve current problems.

鈥淎I is a train, and it鈥檚 moving very fast. We can鈥檛 outrun it, and we can鈥檛 get out of the way, so we have to jump on board,鈥� she notes. 鈥淲e have to develop and use it in a way that benefits everyone, not just those with power and privilege. We have to use it to give people greater opportunities, and ensure the American Dream is attainable for everyone, everywhere.”

The future of this profession and the courts

So, what does Judge Braswell see for the future of the legal profession if AI becomes more widespread? Should lawyers and judges worry about their jobs? 鈥淚 would be na茂ve to say that jobs won鈥檛 be lost in this revolution but remember that the industrial revolution created far more jobs than it displaced,鈥� she explains. 鈥淭hings will balance out. I know people are scared. What was science fiction just a few decades ago, is now reality. Cars drives themselves, you can push a button, and groceries appear at your door, computers talk to us like they鈥檙e human, robots are working in factories, and we all know this is just the beginning.鈥�

However, Judge Braswell says this future is to be feared only if we ignore it and don鈥檛 prepare ourselves. 鈥淛udges and lawyers are in the best position to place guardrails around this technology, and that can鈥檛 happen if we don鈥檛 understand it. We can鈥檛 bury our heads in the sand and let someone else figure it out for us. We have to be in the room, alongside the technology, and leveraging it so that we keep up with the rest of the world.鈥�

Judge Braswell emphasizes the importance of the judiciary 鈥榢eeping up.鈥� 鈥淛udges are busy. We know people want orders from us more quickly, we know people need access to us more regularly, we know justice delayed can be justice denied,鈥� she acknowledges. 鈥淗owever, we鈥檙e inundated 鈥� there aren鈥檛 enough of us. And the problem will be exacerbated if lawyers become more efficient through the use of AI, and the courts don鈥檛.鈥�

But she estimates the judiciary鈥攁nd more broadly, the legal profession鈥攊s among the safest when it comes to the threat of job loss. 鈥淧erhaps ironically, AI has the potential to increase human-to-human connection because it can strip away the menial, rote, and mundane. For professions like ours鈥攊n which human interaction is at the very core of our work鈥攊t means we鈥檒l have more time to do what is most meaningful and impactful鈥攃onnect, communicate, and help people through difficult times. In short, AI won鈥檛 replace us. It will enhance us.鈥�

The many faces of AI

For Judge Braswell, the AI discussion is not just about the tools lawyers could potentially leverage, but also about the evidence in our courts. 鈥淎I tools are becoming more powerful every day, every hour 鈥� and our regulations can鈥檛 keep up. The issues will necessarily spill into our courtrooms. Deep fakes, misinformation, the impact of bias in these systems 鈥� we鈥檒l have to sort through all of it. And to do that well, we have to be knowledgeable. We have to ask the right questions, continue the dialogue, and make sure our decision-making and procedures are keeping up with the times.鈥�

It is also about the parties. 鈥淎I will give people better access to our justice system. Representation will become more affordable, parties will become more knowledgeable, and AI will better equip those who have to navigate the system without a lawyer.鈥�

Judge Braswell also encourages everyone to consider the impact this technology can have on our quality of life, and by extension, on the judiciary鈥檚 capacity to serve. 鈥淲e’re public servants,鈥� she says. 鈥淎nd while its incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, there’s at least part of you that feels the weight of the hard work, with less help, and for less pay than in the private sector. We continue to do the work because we love our community, and we want to give back. But how great would it be if our work became just a little easier?听How much more energy would we have if we could eliminate some of the most tedious and mundane tasks, and free up a meaningful number of hours in every work week? Would we be out in our communities more? Would we do more self-care and show up with more patience? Would we spend a little more time explaining our decisions to pro se parties? Would our capacity for empathy increase because we鈥檙e feeling less hurried? I think the answer to those questions is, yes.鈥�

Judge Braswell acknowledges that, like with any powerful tool, AI can be helpful or harmful; however, she鈥檚 optimistic. 鈥淎I will change the way we organize ourselves as a society, what we prioritize, and how we engage with each other. But I have faith in humankind. I believe this change will be for the better. I believe our collaborative spirit and desire to thrive, will drive us towards a future in which AI makes the world a much better place, for everyone.鈥�

You can hear听more on a special edition of the 成人VR视频 Institute Insight podcast, on Spotify

The post is part of a new limited series of blog posts and podcasts presented by the 成人VR视频 Institute, , that will provide perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sphere

Professor Jennifer Albright, a Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona and Director of the Center for Forensics and Artificial Intelligence at the Arizona Supreme Court鈥檚 Administrative Office of Courts, brings more than 25 years of academic experience in the field of legal education to her role, complemented by an extensive tenure within court administration and a practical background in law practice.

Prof. Albright鈥檚 broad expertise affords her a distinctive viewpoint, enabling her to analyze the legal domain through three distinct perspectives: as an educator, an administrator, and a practitioner. This diverse professional background positions her ideally to address the complexities and wide-ranging applications of artificial intelligence.

Integrating AI into the legal ecosystem

Prof. Albright carefully evaluates both the potential benefits and risks of integrating AI into our legal framework, emphasizing the importance of a broader view. While AI may serve a purpose in the preliminary stages and preparation of cases, she says it should not have the final say in decisions, asserting that this responsibility should remain with a human judge.

Indeed, when it comes to the judiciary moving along the spectrum of AI, it may be just beginning to explore the technology鈥檚 potential. 鈥淚 think the courts are still on the first step,鈥� Prof. Albright says, adding that the concept of an evolution is not yet apparent.

Courts do appear to have adopted chatbots, optical character recognition technology, and electronic filing systems to alleviate some of the workload associated with document management, she says, noting that this has been done though a meeting of innovation and necessity. Looking ahead with a sense of optimism, Prof. Albright says the next phase for the courts would likely focus on enhancing engagement and information exchange between the public, as well as other interested parties, allowing for basic inquiries to be addressed more efficiently.

“Opinions on [AI’s] positive effects are split, with data accuracy and the type of information processed being concerns. Nevertheless, lawyers, particularly those in large firms or in-house counsel roles, recognize the benefits AI can offer.鈥�

One of the reasons why Prof. Albright takes a holistic approach to AI in the legal domain is that she recognizes the different types and levels of AI assistance that can be applied to various tasks and situations. She does not treat AI as a monolithic entity, but rather as a spectrum of tools that can range from simple automation to complex generation. For example, the AI tools she mentioned above can help with document management and information exchange, but AI-driven assistance also can help with form completion and basic pleadings, she explains.

However, Prof. Albright also draws a line between AI assistance and AI decision-making, arguing that human judges should retain the ultimate authority and responsibility for legal outcomes. She is aware of the potential benefits and risks of AI, as well as the ethical and social implications of its use. Therefore, her commentary covers all AI-driven assistance, not just generative AI, because she understands the nuances and complexities of AI in the legal domain.

The most promising aspect of the court’s embrace of new technology is the potential to enhance the involvement of various participants in the legal progress. “I am optimistic that we will develop methods to particularly support self-represented litigants, individuals without access to legal counsel, as well as those in states that permit non-lawyers to engage in legal practice, by providing resources that enable the completion of forms and basic pleadings with perhaps the aid of AI-driven assistance,” she says.

Courts need to stay current with AI development

People commonly wonder what becomes of courts that fail to adapt or lag behind. “They will manage to operate on certain levels, but it seems that all courts at every level are joining the discussion about modernizing,鈥� Prof. Albright says. 鈥淔or instance, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has teamed up with 成人VR视频, and they have an AI forum. NCSC has also established an AI rapid-response team. Their goal is to assist courts in understanding how to engage with these advancements.” She contends that these types of alliances prove invaluable to making sure no one jurisdiction lags too far behind the others.

When considering the wider legal sector, there’s slightly more complexity. According to 成人VR视频 2^nd annual Future of Professionals Report, 64% of government respondents consider AI advantageous in their field. “Opinions on its positive effects are split, with data accuracy and the type of information processed being concerns,” Prof. Albright explains. 鈥淣evertheless, lawyers, particularly those in large firms or in-house counsel roles, recognize the benefits AI can offer.鈥�

鈥淚 think the courts are still on the first step” of AI development and the concept of an “evolution” is not yet apparent.

AI is transforming the legal sector in various ways, from automating document review to enhancing access to justice. Courts are not immune to this transformational wave and need to adapt to the new challenges and opportunities that AI brings. By collaborating with experts, researchers, and practitioners, courts can leverage AI to improve their efficiency, transparency, and fairness, while safeguarding the rights and interests of the public. AI should be seen as not a threat to the judicial system, but a tool to enhance it.

As Prof. Albright has observed, AI can help courts to deliver more consistent, timely, and accessible justice, while also enabling them to monitor and evaluate their own performance and accountability. However, she also warns that AI is not a panacea, and that courts must be vigilant about the ethical, legal, and social implications of using AI, such as ensuring its reliability, explainability, and human oversight.

Therefore, courts should adopt AI with caution and care, while seeking to balance its benefits and risks.

You can hear on a special edition of the 成人VR视频 Institute Insight podcast, on Spotify