Chief Justice of the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil Discusses Use of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Process at Harvard Law School Event

Luís Roberto Barroso, chief justice of the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil, made a compelling case for the use of artificial intelligence in streamlining the Brazilian legal process during a recent Harvard Law School event.

At the kickoff of the fifth Brazil Legal Symposium at HLS, Barroso discussed how AI is already being utilized in the Brazilian judiciary to expedite the selection process of cases dealing with “general repercussion.” With around 70,000 cases coming in annually, Barroso emphasized the need for AI to help sort through cases and deliver justice more efficiently.

The staggering statistic that more than 85 million lawsuits are currently in process in Brazil, a country with a population of 160 million adults, highlights the urgent need for technological advancements in the legal system. Barroso pointed out that over 40 million of these cases are “pre-cases,” indicating the ease with which Brazilians can file lawsuits.

Barroso also addressed concerns about AI potentially amplifying biases within the judicial system. However, he argued that AI could actually lead to more impartiality, as judges themselves are not immune to biases and prejudices.

Despite the rapid evolution of AI technology, Barroso stressed the importance of upholding traditional values within the judiciary. He reminded the audience that amidst all the advancements, the core principles of goodness, justice, and human dignity must remain paramount.

As AI continues to revolutionize the legal landscape, Barroso’s insights serve as a reminder that while embracing technological progress is crucial, upholding ethical standards and fundamental values is equally essential in ensuring a fair and just legal system.