In the UK, judges increasingly prefer documents prepared with the help of AI
In the UK, judges are increasingly noting that procedural documents created by parties using artificial intelligence are clearer and better structured. At the same time, the judicial system remains cautious due to the risks of fabricated facts and non-existent legal precedents.
The Chief Justice of England and Wales, Sue Carr, stated that the use of artificial intelligence can help citizens representing themselves in court to gain better access to justice.
According to her, judges are already noticing practical benefits from the use of AI during the preparation of procedural documents.
"We see that artificial intelligence can really help people who represent themselves in court, as they receive support in preparing their submissions. Judges are trained to detect so-called AI hallucinations, fabricated cases, and other errors. But many judges tell me that documents prepared with AI assistance are more useful and easier to understand than those created without such support," she noted, Law Gazette reports.
At the same time, the Chief Justice emphasized that insufficient access to free legal aid continues to affect the efficiency of courts and may slow down case proceedings. However, in her opinion, there are ways to partially mitigate these problems.
AI helps citizens better prepare for court proceedings
Sue Carr also highly praised the work of legal professionals who assist unrepresented individuals in navigating court procedures.
According to her, observing the work of district judges, it is impossible not to notice how professionally they work with citizens representing themselves, helping them through all stages of the process.
The rule of law and respect for judicial independence
Sue Carr stressed the need to improve public understanding of the rule of law principle, as well as the importance of the sub judice rule, which limits public discussion of cases under court consideration.
According to her, this rule is an important guarantee both of judicial independence and parliamentary privileges.
"We, the independent judiciary, perform our role without commenting on government policy, developing common law and applying it with respect for the separation of powers. But it is a two-way street," Sue Carr said.
She added that Parliament must also respect the work of judges and courts and adhere to the principle of mutual respect between branches of government.
According to the Chief Justice, respect begins with understanding, so it is necessary to continue working on raising awareness among parliamentarians and the public about the judicial system's activities.
To this end, she recently increased the number of judges responsible for interaction with Parliament and plans to create a corresponding subcommittee within the Judges' Council.
The judicial system is operating under significant strain
Sue Carr separately addressed the problem of accumulating unresolved cases.
According to her, criminal courts and the tribunal system remain two areas where the situation is especially difficult due to extremely high workloads.
She figuratively described the situation as trying to climb an escalator moving downward.
Judges need constant protection
One of Sue Carr's priorities remains the safety of judges.
She emphasized that the protection of judicial representatives is non-negotiable and cannot be subject to compromise.
At the same time, the Chief Justice noted that she currently feels more confident about judges' security than a year or two ago.
"Does this mean I don't worry about it every day? No. We must remain vigilant and continue working together with judges and those responsible for our security to ensure proper protection," she stressed.
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