In England and Wales, Crown Court judges are about to start using AI “legal assistants” to help tackle the huge backlog of criminal cases. The idea is not AI judges but instead taking over the huge administrative burden that is causing court backlogs.
AI Comes to the Courtroom
Speaking at a Microsoft event in London, UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said he wants to see greater use of artificial intelligence across the courts as part of wider justice reforms.
At the same time, the government is looking at ways to improve efficiency in the justice system, including reducing delays that leave victims waiting months, and sometimes years, for their day in court.
The proposal centres on AI legal assistants that can support legal professionals and court staff with administrative and case management tasks.
The UK’s AI Action Plan for Justice
The move follows the publication of the UK Ministry of Justice’s AI Action Plan for Justice in July 2025.
The strategy focuses on three key priorities:
- Strengthening the foundations needed for AI adoption
- Embedding AI across justice services
- Investing in the people who will deliver this transformation
According to the policy paper, the plan supports the government’s goal of building AI capability across public services while improving access to justice.
What Will AI Actually Do?
The initial pilot will focus on practical, low-risk tasks.
AI legal assistants could help with:
- Managing case information
- Organising court documents
- Supporting legal professionals with administrative work
- Streamlining case management processes
- Reducing delays across the court system
The goal is simple: free up time for legal professionals so they can focus on higher-value work that requires human judgement.
Importantly, the technology will first be tested in a controlled sandbox environment before being deployed more widely.
Human Judgment Must Remain Central
Not everyone is convinced.
The Law Society has warned that decisions with serious consequences for people’s lives must always remain in human hands.
Critics argue that while AI may improve efficiency, technology alone cannot solve the deeper issues facing the justice system. Continued investment in legal aid, court infrastructure and staffing remains essential.
This raises an important point that extends far beyond the legal profession.
Whether in healthcare, education, communications or finance, AI should support human expertise, not replace it. Human oversight remains critical when decisions affect people’s lives, rights and futures.
The Bigger Picture
The Crown Court pilot represents another example of governments moving beyond AI experimentation and into real-world implementation.
The question is no longer whether AI can be used in public services.
The question is how we use it responsibly.
If successful, AI legal assistants could become a standard feature of court systems, helping to reduce delays and improve efficiency while leaving decision-making where it belongs: with humans.
The results of this pilot will be closely watched, not just by legal professionals, but by every sector exploring how AI can augment human work rather than replace it.
As always, the most interesting developments in AI are often not about the technology itself, but how humans choose to use it.
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About the Podcast Host
AI and Communications Specialist | Author | Podcaster | International Speaker
Joanne Sweeney is a recognised leader in digital marketing and digital transformation, specialising in the practical application of AI to enhance communication strategies. The founder of Digital Training Institute, Joanne, empowers leaders and communications professionals to leverage AI responsibly and effectively, ensuring transparency, trust, and tangible results.
She completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Programme in AI and Public Policy this summer before launching her fourth book AI Playbook, in September. Joanne has also published two editions of Public Sector Marketing Pro, which were preceded by her first title, Social Media Under Investigation Law Enforcement and the Social Web.
Her books have become go-to resources for governments, public sector and policing agencies, as well as marketing and communications professionals, all navigating the challenges of the changing Internet.
Joanne is the host of the AI SIX Podcast, a daily six-minute podcast that provides actionable insights, expert interviews, and practical advice to help professionals navigate the new world of work.
