The Ethical Implications of AI-Powered Decision-Making in the Justice System

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into legal decision-making processes, ethical concerns regarding bias, transparency, and accountability arise. This paper examines AI applications in the justice system, including predictive policing, automated sentencing, and legal analytics. Through case studies from France and South Africa, the research highlights instances where AI has improved efficiency but also perpetuated systemic biases. The study advocates for stricter regulatory oversight and the implementation of fairness algorithms to ensure AI-driven legal decisions uphold human rights and ethical standards.