Attitudes and perceptions regarding algorithmic judicial judgement: barriers to innovation in the judicial system?

Abstract

This study aims to be a starting point in the process of studying attitudes and perceptions around the use of algorithmic tools in the judicial system and explores possible barriers to innovation. The results reveal significant differences in acceptance between the general population, experts in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) and legal professionals, with notable variations in the acceptance of algorithmic tools for judicial analysis. In addition, participants with a legal background showed a negative correlation with acceptance, indicating a more cautious stance towards the integration of such tools in the criminal justice domain. This suggests a cautious and reserved attitude among legal professionals towards the integration of algorithmic tools in the justice system, potentially rooted in concerns regarding objectivity, fairness and the preservation of legal principles in judicial processes. Furthermore, the study reveals that the acceptance of algorithmic tools is influenced by the complexity of the tasks involved in the automation of the criminal justice system. This underlines the importance of considering the level of automation and the degree of human intervention in the use of these tools. In short, this study highlights the importance of having the choice of society and more specifically of legal operators to encourage the adoption and effective implementation of algorithmic tools in the judicial sphere.