Chief justice warns judges vs AI overdependence

Metro Manila, Philippines — Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has warned judges against overdependence on artificial intelligence (AI).

While AI can be helpful, Gesmundo noted that it does not have empathy, ethical discretion, and adaptability to societal changes, among other qualities.

“Courts should still be populated with human judges if we are to expect that empathy and compassion would still go into the consideration of granting equitable remedies,” he said during the Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific.

Gesmundo stressed that AI should be used without trading off the human-centric nature of justice.

The chief said judges may tap AI for administrative tasks, fast-tracking research, and projecting judicial results.

AI-driven programs, Gesmundo said, have been included in the Supreme Court's Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027.

He pointed out that foreign courts have been using AI for evidence review and case file preparations.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.