Artificial Intelligence: Ethics and Courts

Court Leader's Advantage

Question of Ethics Conversation: January 23, 2025

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape the judicial system. AI-powered tools, from legal research assistants to sentencing algorithms and customer service chatbots, offer efficiency but also introduce risks, particularly bias.

Additionally, the confidentiality of court records and legal proceedings becomes a pressing concern, as AI systems require vast sums of data for training—potentially exposing sensitive information to breaches or misuse.

While AI chatbots improve accessibility by guiding litigants through procedural questions, the possibility of providing incorrect information and the prohibition against providing legal advice highlights the need for careful human oversight.

As courts integrate AI into their operations, how do we ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness? What ethical and legal questions arise?

Today's Moderator

Creadell Webb, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the 1st Judicial District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Today's ModeratorCreadell Webb Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the 1st Judicial District in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaToday’s PanelCourtney Whiteside Director, Municipal Court St. Louis, MissouriAlison Braaton Clerk of District Court, Grand Forks County, North DakotaAndrea Powers Human Resources Director, Idaho Court System, Boise, IdahoAmy Emig Business Development Manager, Enterprise Technology Services Division, Oregon Judicial Department, Salem, OregonKelly Hutton Court Administrator, North Dakota Court System, Grand Forks, North DakotaPeter Kiefer host of the Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast SeriesNickolas Brackley Technology and Solutions Specialist, Enterprise Technology Services Division, Oregon Judicial Department, Salem, OregonNorman Meyer, Retired Clerk of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New MexicoRoger Rand IT Manager, Multnomah Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon