2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for courts and justice systems. Last year’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) has only intensified, with technology adoption accelerating and regulatory pressures mounting. The trends we’re seeing are spanning technology, governance, and operations, and are increasingly interconnected.
Courts are transitioning from simply asking about AI to actively implementing it, with many now hiring AI-savvy professionals and investing in education to better understand what AI can do for them. In this blog post, we unpack the innovations, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the way courts serve communities in the year ahead.
AI Everywhere: Promise and Peril for Courts
1. The Opportunities and Risks of AI and Emerging Technologies
AI is no longer just a buzzword. Courts are grappling with the challenges of generative AI, including trust, evidence validation, deepfakes, and hallucinations. Both internal teams and external stakeholders (including lawyers and self-represented litigants) are navigating mainstream AI use.
Predictive analytics are gaining traction, but human-in-the-loop safeguards remain essential. With many court staff retiring, AI is viewed as a workforce multiplier, helping to address staffing shortages and enabling automation.
While the opportunities to leverage AI in the justice system seem endless, from streamlining operations to enhancing decision-making, courts must still navigate complex security and compliance considerations. As the focus shifts from discussing AI to actively implementing it, we anticipate seeing more detailed, court-specific guidelines that clearly define the rules and requirements for internal use. This evolution will help ensure that innovation is balanced with responsibility and trust.
Breaking Silos: The Push for Data Standards
2. Data Interoperability and Governance
Interoperability is now a top priority. The emphasis on data standards has only intensified over the past few years, and this focus remains a defining trend in the justice sector.
National data standards, such as NODS, facilitate seamless data exchange, making it easier for courts to collaborate and share information. Governance frameworks are critical for security and compliance, especially as AI adoption grows. Courts must understand the governance and security threats posed by new technologies and demand transparency from vendors.
For example, at equivant Court, we built governance protocols before the platform to ensure the solution was SOC2 compliant and low risk. AI offers benefits in data security, but also introduces new vulnerabilities. As courts continue to break down data silos, embracing robust standards and governance will be essential for building trust, ensuring security, and unlocking the full potential of digital justice.
Doing More with Less: Automation and Remote Work
3. Workforce and Operational Transformation
Staffing shortages and the shift to remote work continue to reshape how courts operate. Many courts are facing increased caseloads and limited resources, making it more important than ever to find ways to do more with less. Automation and AI have become essential tools for expanding capacity without adding staff, allowing courts to keep up with demand and maintain service quality.
Modern case management systems (CMS) now offer automated workflows that streamline routine tasks, like scheduling hearings, sending notifications, and managing case files, allowing court staff to focus on higher-value work. For example, courts that implemented automated reminders saw a measurable reduction in failure-to-appear rates, which not only saved costs but also helped advance justice by reducing unnecessary jail time.
Remote work, once a temporary solution, is now a lasting trend. Courts are leveraging technology to support staff working from different locations, ensuring that operations remain efficient and connected. Automation is especially valuable in this environment, as it helps bridge gaps caused by staffing shortages and supports a more flexible, resilient workforce.
Think of AI as a “team of mules” handling the heavy lifting behind the scenes. By automating repetitive processes, courts can process cases more quickly, reduce backlogs, and improve accuracy. This not only benefits staff but also leads to faster resolutions for the public.
ODR and Beyond: Making Justice Accessible
4. Access to Justice and Digital Services
Access to justice is no longer just a goal; it’s becoming a mandate. Courts are under increasing pressure to remove barriers and deliver services that meet people where they are. In 2026, we expect this trend to accelerate, driven by technology and a renewed focus on equity.
Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is a cornerstone of this movement. ODR reduces costs, saves time, and enhances convenience for all parties involved by enabling them to resolve disputes digitally. Courts in states like Nevada and Massachusetts have already seen success with ODR platforms, which help clear backlogs and empower self-represented litigants. This isn’t just a tech upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift toward fairness and efficiency.
But accessibility goes beyond ODR. Courts are adopting guided workflows, mobile-friendly tools, and multilingual resources to ensure that justice isn’t limited by geography, language, or digital literacy. Features like automated reminders, online payment systems, and self-service portals make it easier for people to navigate the process without needing legal expertise.
The bottom line is that accessibility is emerging as a defining trend. Courts that embrace digital services and prioritize user-friendly design will not only improve efficiency but also build trust and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
Regulation Rising: AI and Cybersecurity Mandates
5. Policy, Compliance & Cybersecurity
As courts embrace new technologies, the stakes for policy, compliance, and cybersecurity have never been higher. The rapid adoption of AI and digital tools holds tremendous promise. Still, it also exposes justice systems to new risks, like data breaches and sophisticated deepfakes that threaten the authenticity of evidence.
Effective data governance has become foundational. Courts must develop and enforce clear frameworks that address data accuracy, privacy, and security at every stage or risk their overall security. This means not only protecting sensitive information but also ensuring that digital evidence is authentic and reliable. As highlighted in our blog post, Enhancing Justice Security and Accuracy Through Effective Data Governance, robust governance protocols help courts maintain public trust and meet evolving compliance requirements.
Yet, there is still significant work to be done. Many courts are just beginning to formalize their governance frameworks and compliance strategies, particularly in relation to the use of AI. As we move into 2026, we anticipate a significant increase in the creation of detailed policies and proactive measures so that innovation is balanced with accountability and that courts are prepared to meet both current and emerging threats head-on.
Building Resilience Beyond Technology
6. Future-Proofing Courts
Future-proofing has emerged as a defining trend in the justice sector, as courts recognize the need to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing environment. More than just adopting new technology, future-proofing is about making strategic, sustainable choices that ensure long-term flexibility and resilience. Thorough process documentation is at the heart of this trend, enabling courts to adapt quickly to new tools, train staff efficiently, and upgrade systems with minimal disruption. North Las Vegas Municipal Court stands out as a success story. Thanks to the court’s detailed documentation and preparation, they went live with their new system four months ahead of schedule.
Selecting a case management system (CMS) designed for the future is also central to this trend. Courts are increasingly seeking solutions that are standards-based, with open data, modular architecture, and API-first design. These features make integration, scaling, and avoiding vendor lock-in much easier. The shift toward web-based and browser-based applications is also gaining momentum, improving accessibility for staff, attorneys, and the public.
Ultimately, future-proofing is about adopting a mindset of continuous improvement and proactive planning. By prioritizing documentation, open standards, and adaptable systems, courts are positioning themselves to thrive amid new regulations, evolving workforce needs, and the next wave of innovation.
What Justice Can Learn from Other Sectors
7. Cross-Industry Influences and Preparing for What’s Next
The adoption of AI in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and retail is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. These industries are leveraging AI for predictive analytics, fraud detection, and personalized services—transformations that have a ripple effect on the justice system. As technology reshapes these fields, courts will inevitably see an increase in cases involving AI-related disputes, from liability questions to ethical considerations.
This trend isn’t just about observing other industries; it’s about anticipating the legal challenges they create. Courts must prepare for complex cases involving algorithmic bias, data privacy, and compliance with emerging AI regulations. At the same time, they can learn from these sectors’ successes and missteps—particularly around governance frameworks and risk management—to strengthen their own technology strategies.
Closing Thoughts: Building Resilience Beyond Technology
The justice system stands at a crossroads. Trends like AI integration, data interoperability, and digital accessibility have become essential for courts to remain effective and equitable. But technology alone isn’t enough. Courts need proactive planning, transparent governance, and adaptability to navigate the challenges ahead.
As AI reshapes industries and justice itself, the courts that thrive will be those that embrace innovation responsibly, prioritize accessibility, and prepare for the legal questions of tomorrow. The future of justice is strategic, inclusive, and resilient.
