How Useful Is AI in Creating Better Legal Outcomes and Processes?
ABC News
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 3 Feb 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 3 Feb 2026, 06:15 am
Description
Can artificial intelligence reveal the assumptions judges make? Or help lawyers and litigants to identify appeal arguments?
Summary
The article investigates the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance legal outcomes and processes. It highlights the use of AI in analyzing judicial decisions to uncover biases and assumptions, including a study that identifies gender bias in Family Court language. Additionally, AI is used in assessing legislation's compatibility with women's rights, potentially influencing legal reforms. While the article underscores the transformative role of AI in legal systems, it does not delve deeply into existential AI risks, focusing instead on its utility in improving legal frameworks. Its relevance to AI safety primarily lies in governance and policy enhancement through technological integration.
Body
Can artificial intelligence reveal the assumptions judges make? Or help lawyers and litigants to identify appeal arguments? Could AI assist organisations and courts to improve their work and even help audit legislation?The Law Report explores how machine learning algorithms are being used to analyse judges' thinking and the assumptions that may underpin their decisions. One study used AI technology to identify possible gender bias in language used by some Family Court judges. In another case, an AI-based tool is being used to analyse if legislation is compatible with women's rights.So, just how useful is AI in creating better legal outcomes and processes? Guests: Mehera San Roque, Associate Professor in the School of Law, Society and Criminology, University of New South Wales; Member, UNSW Gender Equality HubDr Tamara Polajnar, CEO and founder @ herEthical AIRamona Vijeyarasa, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney; Chief Investigator, Gender Legislative IndexTo hear more in-depth expert coverage of the important legal stories and cases of the week, search for The Law Report podcast on the ABC Listen app or wherever you get your podcasts.CreditsDamien Carrick, PresenterImage Details(Getty Images)Program:More from Law ReportLaw, Crime and Justice