An unprecedented event recently occurred in a British legal case: a defendant attempted to appeal with the help of an artificial intelligence-generated avatar. This initiative, deemed “absurd” by the judge, raises fundamental questions about the growing role of AI in the legal field and the limits of its use in contexts as sensitive as criminal justice.
A controversial appeal attempt
- An unprecedented procedure: The defendant, already convicted, submitted an appeal using an animated avatar generated by artificial intelligence, supposedly representing a virtual lawyer. The AI read aloud the defense arguments.
- The judge’s reaction: The judge in charge of the case did not mince words. He described the approach as “theatrical” and a “waste of time,” believing that the use of artificial intelligence in such a serious context violated neither the solemnity nor the standards of the court.
Artificial Intelligence Faces the Limits of the Law
- A Still Elusive Legal Framework: The case highlights the lack of clear regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence tools in the courts. Courts do not yet recognize the legitimacy of a non-human entity to represent an individual.
- Risks for Fair Trials: Entrusting a defense to a program can expose defendants to misinterpretations or weak legal arguments. This could harm their fundamental rights, particularly with regard to a fair defense.
Opportunities and Risks Associated with AI in the Justice System
Opportunities:
- Improving citizens’ access to legal information.
- Automating certain administrative tasks to reduce court delays.
Risks:
- Misuse or naive use of AI tools in inappropriate contexts.
- Loss of human nuance in legal analysis.
Conclusion
This case highlights the growing tension between technological innovation and the traditional demands of the judicial system. While artificial intelligence can play an assistive role in the law, its direct use as a legal agent remains highly problematic. This incident underscores the need to better regulate the use of AI in legal proceedings to preserve the integrity and credibility of the justice system.
