Guidelines for the use of AI systems in courts and tribunals

AI has entered the courtroom. Judges and legal professionals have started using AI systems to save time and focus on important tasks. This technological shift can lead to significant improvements for human rights and the delivery of justice. Yet, how can we ensure that the benefits of AI outweigh its risks (bias, discrimination, errors and hallucinations)? Courts have the power to control and shape how AI systems are developed and used to safeguard judicial independence, the rule of law, and human rights. Justice stakeholders have called on UNESCO to develop these Guidelines to provide key recommendations and principles on the necessary steps to consider before, during and after deploying AI systems. These Guidelines will assist court leaders to design policy frameworks relevant to the local context. They will help judges, court staff, and legal professionals, regardless of their digital skills, to develop a professional use of AI. The AI & the Rule of Law programme at UNESCO equips judges and legal professionals around the globe with the skills they need to uphold justice, the rule of law and human rights in the age of AI.