Artificial intelligence has moved from science fiction to reality, becoming a tool that is starting to transform the way we work, communicate, and increasingly, how justice is delivered.

The big question is: can AI improve a judicial system that is often slow, expensive, and bureaucratic, or does it risk making it less human and even unfair?

The promise of AI in the justice system

Supporters of AI in the legal field highlight several benefits:

• Streamlining processes: analysing large volumes of documents in seconds.
• Reducing costs: less time spent by lawyers and judges on repetitive tasks.
• Increasing access to justice: automated legal aid systems for people who cannot afford a lawyer.

In a world where courts are overwhelmed with pending cases, AI presents itself as a tool for efficiency.

The risks of delegating to AI

But justice is not only about speed. It is also about interpretation, context, and humanity.
The main risks include:

• Algorithmic bias: if historical data is biased, the AI will inherit that bias.
• Lack of transparency: many systems work as “black boxes” that are hard to audit.
• Dehumanisation: an algorithm cannot assess the personal circumstances behind a case.

Ally or threat?

The answer probably lies in balance:

• AI can be a great ally for mechanical and repetitive tasks.
• But the final decision must remain in human hands, with judges and lawyers interpreting the law with empathy and material justice, not just formal rules.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it cannot and should not replace human judgment. The challenge is to design a system where AI is a support that improves justice, without becoming a substitute that strips it of humanity.

At Lawphobia we believe technology must serve people, not the other way around. That is why we support AI that informs and clarifies, but never replaces human legal reasoning.