KUALA LUMPUR: Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo recently emphasized the potential benefits and pitfalls of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial processes during his address at the 19th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific. While acknowledging AI’s significant capabilities in enhancing judicial efficiency, he cautioned against an overreliance that could undermine essential human qualities in justice delivery.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gesmundo highlighted the dual aspects of AI in the judiciary during his speech in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He pointed out that AI could aid in administrative efficiency, speed up legal research, and help in predicting judicial outcomes, which could transform how courts operate. The Chief Justice referred to international examples where AI is utilized for sifting through evidence and organizing case files, demonstrating its practical utility in current judicial systems.
Gesmundo also detailed the initiatives under the Philippine Suprem
e Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, which integrates AI-driven programs to streamline court processes. These innovations aim to enhance both the efficiency and accessibility of justice. However, he stressed that AI should not replace the human elements essential to the justice system, such as empathy, ethical judgment, and adaptability to social nuances. These human attributes are crucial in ensuring justice is delivered not only with efficiency but with fairness and compassion.
In his conclusion, the Chief Justice emphasized the responsibility of judiciary leaders to navigate their institutions through the evolving landscape of technology without compromising the integrity and human-centered nature of justice. He maintained that while AI should be employed to improve the functionality of judicial processes, it must not supplant the role of human judges in interpreting and dispensing justice.