Government Announces AI Assistant Trial for Crown Courts
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is set to announce a trial of virtual legal assistants powered by artificial intelligence in crown courts across England and Wales. The initiative aims to reduce the growing backlog of court cases, which has been a persistent challenge for the justice system. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that judges are already planning to use a new AI tool to help identify trial-ready cases and group similar hearings together, streamlining court processes.
Law Society Urges Caution
The Law Society of England and Wales, representing over 200,000 solicitors, has responded with a strong warning. Chief Executive Ian Jeffery stated that while AI could enhance access to justice, it must not be used as a substitute for adequate funding and additional court staff. He emphasized that the pilot must be thoroughly evaluated, with outcomes made public to ensure transparency and accountability. Jeffery also called for robust safeguards to protect the integrity of legal proceedings.
Context of AI in the Justice System
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the reliability of AI in legal contexts. Last year, two court cases were blighted by made-up case-law citations that were either definitely or suspected to have been generated by AI. Additionally, a review into the banning of Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans from a match in November 2025 found that an AI hallucination produced by Microsoft Copilot had helped police justify the decision, referencing a nonexistent game between Tel Aviv and West Ham. These incidents highlight the risks of deploying AI without rigorous oversight.
Lammy's Vision for AI in Governance
In a speech at London Tech Week, Lammy is expected to say: "Artificial intelligence has the power to transform how we live, work and govern for the better. This impact for good can be seen in our justice system, with thousands of days of admin work saved for our probation staff and the advent of new tools which aim to cut court backlogs and deliver swifter justice for victims." The government sees AI as a key tool for modernizing public services, but critics argue that technology alone cannot solve systemic underfunding.
Balancing Innovation and Safeguards
The Law Society's position reflects a broader tension between embracing technological innovation and ensuring that justice is not compromised. While AI assistants could potentially reduce administrative burdens and speed up case processing, the society insists that they must complement—not replace—human expertise and resources. The call for public evaluation of the pilot suggests a desire for evidence-based policymaking, where the benefits and risks of AI are carefully weighed before wider rollout.
Implications for the Legal Profession
If successful, the trial could reshape how courts operate, potentially setting a precedent for other jurisdictions. However, the legal profession remains wary of over-reliance on AI, especially given past errors. The emphasis on transparency and evaluation indicates that the Law Society will be closely monitoring the pilot's outcomes, advocating for a measured approach that prioritizes justice over expediency.
This article is based on reporting by The Guardian. Read the original article.
Originally published on theguardian.com
