AI judges, judicial bias, legal ethics, procedural justice
Abstract
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in judicial decision-making is still in its early days, primarily focused on experimentation and policy development. However, it brings up some important questions about the future of justice. The concept of “AI judges” challenges the traditional role of human judgment, moral reasoning, and discretion in the legal process. While AI can offer efficiency and consistency, it falls short in providing the human touch of empathy, ethical considerations, and the ability to interpret context. One major gap in current academic research is the lack of comparison between the belief systems of human judges shaped by culture, religion, or legal traditions and the neutral, code-driven logic of AI systems. Additionally, the moral and social implications of giving AI judicial authority, especially regarding bias, fairness, and procedural justice, have not been thoroughly examined. There is also a pressing need to understand how public trust is influenced by AI judgments, particularly as these systems start to affect real-world legal outcomes. This paper aims to enrich the legal and academic conversation by providing a critical framework for evaluating the legitimacy of AI in the judiciary. It raises the question of whether justice can or should be dehumanized without compromising its core values. By outlining current challenges and encouraging input from various disciplines, the study seeks to promote the ethical, transparent, and accountable development of AI technologies in the judicial system. Ultimately, this work aims to help shape legal norms, judicial training, and public policy, while fostering a thorough examination of AI’s increasing role in essential justice functions.