Artificial intelligence in the family justice system
This briefing is intended to prompt discussion about how the use of artificial intelligence could improve the experiences of families and professionals in the family justice system. It also outlines the challenges and risks involved, and the governance required for safe usage.
This briefing paper was originally published in 2024 and has been updated to reflect recent developments.
What is the issue?
Discussions on the reach and scope of artificial intelligence are now commonplace. But how well prepared are we to understand its potential or to deal with its challenges and risks in relation to the family justice system? And could we be doing more to think about how it could improve families’ experiences?
We know that some AI technologies are available, accessible and already in use – commercial law firms are increasingly using AI to perform tasks such as contract analysis, automatic routine tasks and legal research for example. Could families in public and private law proceedings, as well as professionals in the family justice system, benefit from the safe and fair use of newer technologies such as generative AI?
