Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be a hot topic in the justice industry. Additionally, courts are working hard to empower litigants with improved virtual services while reimagining physical court and office spaces. As we enter 2025, here are 7 important trends we expect to see:
1. Artificial Intelligence Will Continue Booming and More Courts Will Begin to Leverage It
AI was a focus in our trends post last year and we don’t see it disappearing anytime soon. Right now, the use of AI in courts and justice agencies is still ramping up. The justice industry is always slower to adopt new technologies because security is a top priority. It takes time to implement security measures and policies, which are essential to keeping protected justice data and personally identifiable information (PII) private.
There is still a lot that needs to happen (policies written, security implemented, etc.) for AI to be widely used across the justice industry. However, we are already seeing a couple of major AI uses in the justice space and we expect to see this list to grow in 2025:
- Generative AI is being used to improve access to justice for underserved communities.
- Generative AI can serve as an assistant to community members via online portals to help them look things up and find the correct information they need for their specific court case.
- AI is being used to catch mistakes, correct documents, and ensure redactions are correct and private information is safe and protected.
- Machine learning (a type of AI) is being used to analyze data and help improve operations and processes as well as identify patterns.
An important note is that AI does not and will not replace human intervention. In fact, bias tendencies can still be present within AI. However, it’s a compelling solution that has the power to innovate the legal industry and redefine the way courts function. If you want to start exploring and planning for AI in your court, read our Practical Guide for Understanding and Using AI in Your Court.
2. Data and AI Governance Will Be a Top Priority
Data governance has always been essential in the justice industry. Implementing policies and standards that safeguard private court data is especially important. With AI now in the mix, courts have to take governance a step further and incorporate policies and standards that encompass everything, including AI.
While strides have been made, there is still a lot that needs to be done on the federal, state, and local level when it comes to implementing policies and rules surrounding data and AI. We expect to see more significant policy in 2025 as it’s currently a top priority. As your court starts planning and implementing a data and AI governance strategy, the following risks should be carefully managed/considered in accordance with local, state, and federal data security policies:
- Accuracy and Reliability
- Data Privacy and Security
- Transparency and Accountability
- Dependance on Technology
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
3. Technology Vendors and Courts Will Work Together to Ensure Cyber Security
The justice industry is usually slower to adopt new technologies because security is a top priority. It takes time to implement security measures and policies, which are essential to keeping protected justice data and personally identifiable information (PII) private. Ensuring cyber security is a group effort, though. Courts and technology vendors are both responsible for taking the appropriate security measures to protect data and PII.
For example, as a technology vendor, equivant, has been working on a secure, self-made AI tool for internal use to help inform future development, security, and plans. We recognize the importance of courts and justice agencies being able to trust the AI tools they use and have let that knowledge guide our AI strategy and inform important cyber security considerations.
As long as technology is around, cyber security will always be a priority. Since AI is evolving so rapidly, we anticipate more vendors and justice agencies working together to prioritize cyber security.
4. Courts Will Work to Empower Litigants with Improved Virtual Services
It is more possible than ever for courts to meet community members where they are. Technology that facilitates virtual services is becoming the norm. While courts still have quite a way to come, we expect 2025 to bring more flexible spending options, advanced video conferencing, AI powered tools, and enhanced online services. Additionally, as virtual services increase, we may start to see reimagined court buildings that provide technology-forward spaces with things like participant booths and court services kiosks.
Additionally, the number of self-represented litigants (SRLs) is on the rise. The AI component of predictive analytics can understand, learn, and apply its intelligence to a wide range of scenarios, including supporting SRLs. AI has the power to walk SRLs through what they need to do and what information they need to provide to reach an outcome. We expect to see more courts leveraging technology to improve their services and empower litigants in 2025.
5. Adoption of Cloud-Based Solutions Will Continue Increasing
Since the pandemic, the need for cloud-based applications has increased, and we’ve started to see courts moving away from traditional client-server systems. While this has been a trend for a while, we expect to see the adoption of cloud-based solutions continue increasing in 2025. The tolerance for outdated systems is declining, and technology is evolving at a rapid pace.
Additionally, a new generation of technology-immersed staff and an increasing number of self-represented litigants (SRLs) engaged in smart technologies are paving the way for the adoption of cloud and app-based enterprise solutions. While this technology shift will take time, if you haven’t already considered what a cloud-based solution would mean for your court, now is the time to really begin planning and researching. While it may seem intimidating at first, adopting cloud-based systems is easier than you think.
Case management systems have come a long way. Cloud-based solutions offer unprecedented accessibility, improved efficiency, and have driven cost savings. We predict that courts will increasingly recognize the significant benefits these solutions offer, and the adoption of cloud-based solutions will continue rising.
6. AI Will Assist Courts with Data Quality and the Adoption of NODS
NODS ensures vendors (like equivant) and courts communicate accurately so that the system is fair for everyone. It also allows easier access to reporting and statistics, higher-quality data, and more efficient collaboration. While we’ve seen more courts and vendors adopt NODS, there’s still a long way to go. As courts start implementing different AI Tools into their daily workflows, we expect to see AI being used to assist courts both with data quality and the adoption of NODS.
7. Deepfakes and AI Disclosures Will be a Hot Topic
One of the biggest questions surrounding the AI buzz right now has to do with deepfakes and AI disclosures. How do we handle deepfakes and what types of disclosures should be required when AI is used? Right now, we don’t have all the answers. But while deepfakes and disclosure policies may sound intimidating, the power of AI to make a positive impact is huge. As the year evolves, we expect conversations about these important issues to be a focus and we’ll start to get answers and more detailed policy. Stay tuned for more from us. Happy 2025!
