Artificial Intelligence and the courts: VLRC seeks input

The Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC) is reviewing whether new laws, regulations and guidelines are needed to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) is used safely and efficiently in Victorian courts and tribunals.

You can have your say by visiting the VLRC website, where there is a consultation paper to guide submissions. The deadline for submissions is 12 December 2024.

AI offers potential benefits and risks. It already helps lawyers with legal research by processing vast amounts of data. It could improve case management in courts by doing administration tasks much faster than a human.

AI offers new ways for people to engage with courts and tribunals. It can provide court users with legal information and advice, offer instant translation in court, and help with dispute resolution. In some parts of the world, AI has been involved in making decisions about sentencing and bail.

But there are risks associated with AI, including the possibility of generating fake information (“hallucinations”) and deepfakes.  There are questions about data security, privacy, and in-built bias, such as racial bias. Many people worry about the consequences of giving AI too much power.

If these concerns are not addressed, AI could have a negative impact on the justice system and people could lose faith in the courts.

The VLRC has been asked by the Attorney-General, Jaclyn Symes, to make recommendations about strengthening the law so that AI can be used safely in courts and tribunals. The VLRC will also recommend AI guidelines for courts and tribunals and the people who use them.

The VLRC has published a consultation paper on its website. Anyone is welcome to make a submission about how courts and tribunals can use AI safely, and how the law should regulate it. Submissions are open until 12 December 2024.

Download the consultation paper.

For more information please contact:
Nick Gadd, Communications Manager, Mob: 0425 862 119/nick.gadd@lawreform.vic.gov.au.