In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has proliferated. The technology behind AI is constantly improving and becoming increasingly integrated into our lives, often without us even realising. What was once science-fiction has become science-fact, with many of Sci-Fi’s most popular tropes becoming a reality.
Artificial Intelligence is Everywhere
We see AI used in our courtrooms, airports, prison systems, law enforcement, and elsewhere within our multifaceted society. Artificial intelligence brings with it a complicated moral debate and is often used as an example when speculating future social issues our society might face. With AI proliferating in use, these dilemmas will soon become a reality.
The main concern about the success and widespread use of AI is the effect this may have on unemployment, with much of the labour force being supplanted by complex software and robotics. Many industries are quickly adopting more efficient methods of operating, thanks to artificial intelligence.
Most recently, there has been an influx of AI into the American and British legal systems, which has led to a number of firms opting for easy-to-use software to assist in time-consuming administrative tasks. The implications of using AI in a courtroom – including a hypothetical future wherein humans are legally represented by AI – has been hotly debated since this new development. The cynics among us would expect incumbent lawyers to be wary of the increased usage of AI, such that they might be concerned that one day their job would also be at risk.
However, the murmurs in the legal scene in both the UK and the US tell a different story. High-quality, administrative AI assistants have been roundly welcomed by lawyers and law firms, resulting in case processing times being greatly reduced. Legal proceedings – from Visa applications to criminal court trials – generate a proverbial mountain of paperwork.
The AI software used to tackle this can be something as simple and user-friendly as an app on a phone, tablet, or PC. From organising documents in chronological order to compiling detailed reports on key facts, figures, and statements, AI is proving an incredibly useful tool within the legal system. So for now, lawyers and law firms are happy for AI to fill a supporting role in their endeavours. But how far away are we from seeing complex robots making their opening statements in the courtroom, or even robot judges?
Emerging Artificial Intelligence in the Legal System
A future with Robot colleagues? Perhaps Futurama got it right.
The idea of robots representing humans in the courtroom conjures up many images that are altogether science fiction. Personally, I imagine a highly advanced automaton with a monotone voice, sitting behind a desk with a gavel for its right hand, wearing the traditional judge’s wig (an outdated tradition still practised in the UK). However, the reality would be far less exciting and would require exceedingly less effort. I would argue that courtrooms, barristers, and juries of our peers would no longer be required.
AI removes much of the physical work required to make objective decisions. The AI app DoNotPay allows plaintiffs, defendants, prospective immigrants, and those trying to get out of paying a parking ticket, to upload their cases to the server. The software then provides a prediction as to the outcome of the court case. Speaking to the BBC, Joshua Browder, the app’s developer, claims an 80% success rate correctly predicting the outcomes of users’ court cases.
Unfortunately, concrete data, outside that provided by the company itself, is hard to find, meaning this claim must be taken with a pinch of salt. However, it would be ignorant to assume that this technology won’t improve and one can expect that it is only going to get better. In cases where an objective ruling is necessary, AI could theoretically solve the case single-handedly. Collecting evidence from various independent and reliable sources and compiling a compelling case takes weeks, months, and even years. An AI, provided they are given the correct and true information, will make the best objective judgement call given the circumstances.
Artificial Intelligence and Future Generations
There’s no doubt that this AI would need to be extremely complex in order to be reliable and efficient. I have been lucky enough to grow up in a time where technology is booming. Because of this, I have every reason to assume we are closer to this becoming a reality than we might think.
It is common to see the growth of AI as something detrimental to society, causing so many people to be put out of work and creating an increasing wealth gap. But AI should be seen as an opportunity to relieve many people from the 9 to 5, 7 days a week grind. Provided that there are significant and substantial welfare systems in place, human life need not be so defined by work, nor would there be a need to work in order to live.
This viewpoint, though optimistic, might seem naïve to some readers, being that the current economic system would not function in that kind of environment. This would be a significant societal shift, though a necessary one if we hope to navigate the moral and social dilemmas to come.
Enjoyed this post? Consider how technological advancements are affecting the media industry with this piece written by another GIS author.