The UK government will trial artificial intelligence-powered legal assistants in Crown Courts as part of efforts to reduce a record backlog of criminal cases and accelerate court proceedings. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that judges and lawyers will test the AI tools in controlled environments before any wider rollout.
AI Tools to Streamline Case Management
The technology is designed to help analyse case files, identify cases ready for trial, and group similar hearings together to optimise the use of court time. Justice Secretary David Lammy is expected to announce the initiative at London Tech Week on Tuesday, describing AI as a tool that can modernise the justice system and deliver faster outcomes for victims, as reported by The Independent.
Record Backlog Drives Urgency
The move comes as the Crown Court backlog in England and Wales has climbed above 80,000 cases, more than double the 38,108 cases recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. The government also plans to introduce an AI transcription tool for probation officers, which will automatically record and transcribe conversations with offenders, reducing administrative workloads.
"Artificial intelligence has the power to transform how we live, work and govern for the better," Lammy said. He added that the technology could help cut court delays while saving thousands of hours of administrative work.
Cautious Welcome from Legal Bodies
The plans have received a cautious welcome from legal organisations. Ian Jeffery, chief executive of the Law Society of England and Wales, said the pilot should be thoroughly evaluated and its findings made public. He stressed that technology should support access to justice but cannot replace investment in courts and staffing.
Andrew Thomas KC, vice-chair of the Criminal Bar Association, said AI could handle routine tasks more efficiently but warned that judges and lawyers must understand its limitations. He emphasised that criminal cases still require human judgment and careful assessment of evidence, adding that AI should support legal professionals rather than replace them.
