Daily Times

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries, from healthcare to finance. It’s high time we consider the transformative potential of AI in the legal sector, particularly in Pakistan’s lower courts. While the concept may raise eyebrows, there are compelling reasons to explore the integration of AI judges to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of justice in the country.

1. Overburdened Judicial System:

Pakistan’s lower courts often grapple with a staggering backlog of cases. The sheer volume of litigation can lead to delayed justice, affecting both plaintiffs and defendants. AI judges, equipped with advanced algorithms, can process cases faster and more accurately than their human counterparts, potentially reducing the backlog.

2. Impartiality and Transparency:

AI judges are programmed to make decisions based on the law and evidence, free from biases or external influences. This impartiality ensures that every individual, regardless of their social or economic background, receives a fair trial. Moreover, AI systems can provide detailed explanations for their rulings, increasing transparency in the judicial process.

As technology continues to advance, it is incumbent upon Pakistan’s legal community and policymakers to consider how AI can be harnessed to advance the cause of justice.

3. Consistency in Legal Interpretation:

One of the challenges in the current system is the inconsistency in legal interpretation among different judges. AI judges would apply the law consistently, reducing the uncertainty surrounding legal outcomes and promoting predictability within the legal system.

4. Access to Justice:

Many individuals in Pakistan face barriers to accessing justice due to geographical constraints, financial limitations, or lack of legal representation. AI judges can be accessible online, allowing citizens to file cases and receive rulings without the need for physical presence in a courthouse. This democratizes the legal system and empowers individuals to seek justice.

5. Resource Efficiency:

Human judges require substantial resources, including salaries, training, and administrative support. AI judges, once implemented, can operate with relatively lower costs and without the need for extensive training. This cost-effectiveness can free up resources for other critical areas within the judicial system.

6. Rapid Legal Research:

AI judges can swiftly sift through vast volumes of legal literature and precedents to arrive at well-informed decisions. This speed and efficiency can expedite the legal process and reduce the time litigants spend awaiting judgments.

7. Continuous Improvement:

AI systems can learn and adapt over time, benefiting from their own decisions and those of their peers. As AI judges accumulate experience, their decision-making capabilities can improve, leading to even more accurate and consistent rulings.

8. Human Oversight:

It’s important to note that AI judges would not replace humans entirely. Instead, they would serve as a valuable tool to assist human judges. There should always be a mechanism for human oversight to ensure that the technology is used responsibly and ethically.

In conclusion, the integration of AI judges in Pakistan’s lower courts is not a replacement of human judgment but an augmentation of the judicial process. It can streamline operations, enhance impartiality, and increase access to justice. While there are challenges to address, the potential benefits for the legal system and the citizens it serves make exploring this innovative approach worthwhile. As technology continues to advance, it is incumbent upon Pakistan’s legal community and policymakers to consider how AI can be harnessed to advance the cause of justice.

The Author is an Entrepreneur and Investor in Pakistan