Paper short abstract:

Pressure on courts means reform is inevitable, but if new technology is introduced without both a common language and shared goals between tech and other disciplines, the public's sense of legitimacy in the system is at risk. This paper explores the impact, and how collaboration might be achieved.

Paper long abstract:

Many legal systems are on the brink of a crisis of confidence. Pressure on courts is unprecedented, and delays mean that justice is too often not being served.

AI/algorithmic tools exist that may assist in improving processes, and legal frameworks to allow these methods are being put in place, but public trust in human-computer interaction in this context is under-explored. Arguments regarding bias, or technical metrics of accuracy only go so far in addressing the issues. The legitimacy of the system itself is at risk of being undermined if reforms take place without public confidence being maintained.

Exploring how methods from the social sciences can be used to build mathematically-based models in a collaborative way, this paper focuses on perceptions of legitimacy, acknowledging that there are serious questions regarding the legitimacy of human-only judicial decision-making that cannot be ignored.

Can we develop a common language that realigns the objectives of state, implementer, public and participant towards congruence and enables an informed dialogue?