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The HM Courts and Court Services (HMCTS) have announced that it will accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to help modernize courts and courts, highlighting that all applications will be implemented responsibly.
HMCTS Chief Technology Officer Gary O'Reilly said the focus is not on AI's own, but on using it “as a practical tool to address specific challenges and improve services for those using our courts and those using our courts.”
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Responsible recruitment
HMCTS has developed its own responsible AI principles designed to reflect the sensitivity of the judicial system and maintain public trust. According to the announcement, AI is only deployed when it can add value, be implemented responsibly, and support it rather than replace human judgment.
All AI systems undergo rigorous testing and evaluation before they are deployed.
Pilots and early projects
HMCTS has already piloted several AI-based initiatives, including:
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AI-driven transcription and summaries to help judges handle cases more efficiently while maintaining surveillance
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AI tools that support judgment and document anonymization, protect privacy while maintaining transparency
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AI-enabled search and assistant features within case management systems to help legal experts find information more effectively
Collaboration across the judicial system
The agency emphasized that effective AI adoption requires cooperation with justice partners. It contributes to transparency, engagement with legal experts and advocacy groups, and developing sector-wide standards and best practices for AI in the judicial environment.
Next Steps
A new AI adoption plan is under development, setting strategic goals and governance arrangements. This coincides with the Department of Justice's broader AI action plan for justice and will be tested with judges, HMCTS staff and other stakeholders prior to publication.
O'Reilly said AI should bring concrete improvements to users of the judicial system by reducing wait times, improving accessibility, and supporting legal experts in their work.
