SC eyes AI integration in judicial processes

CEBU, Philippines — The Supreme Court is set to draft an “AI Governance Framework for the Judiciary” in recognition of the growing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial processes.

SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said the initiative aims to outline guidelines for the responsible integration of AI across various areas of court operations and management.

Leonen said that the AI Governance Framework will provide standards for using AI in court administration, such as human resource, finance, and security, as well as in legal research, document analysis, courtroom applications, and case management.

The AI Governance Framework, which is a key step toward modernizing the judiciary’s systems and workflows, is aligned  with the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI).

The Supreme Court, in a statement, said that it has already commenced pilot testing of AI technologies, including voice-to-text transcription software for court stenographers in the Sandiganbayan and select first-and second-level courts.

In addition, it said several offices within the Court are trialing AI-enhanced platforms designed to streamline legal research.

Leonen, however, emphasized that the Court has not yet fully implemented any AI systems.

“The Judiciary remains in the process of digitalizing its procedures, mapping processes, and carefully evaluating which AI applications will be scalable for a broader rollout.  While the Court is aware of advanced AI tools such as GPT, it has yet to adopt these technologies,” he said.

The High Court added that the forthcoming AI Governance Framework will incorporate ethical guidelines for AI deployment, focusing on core principles such as reliability, transparency, accountability, fairness and non-discrimination, privacy and data protection, human agency and oversight, security and safety, societal benefit, sustainability (resources and ecology), and continuous monitoring.

Leonen acknowledged the Judiciary’s vital role in interpreting laws to ensure responsible and ethical AI use.

“We are prepared and continuously preparing for that eventuality,” Leonen added. — (FREEMAN)