Abstract

Criminal law and judicial decision-making are being transformed by AI. How far can AI be integrated into the judicial decision-making process and how does it affect criminal trials in India? AI's ability to mimic human cognition and transforming aspects of society is introduced in the study. It highlights AI's benefits in criminal trials, including improved data analysis, document management, language translation, investigative support, security, legal research etc. The study also delves into the function and influence of AI in the judicial process. It looks at the steps taken by the Indian judicial system, such as the use of artificial intelligence-based systems for real-time transcription, judgement translation, and court management. It also provides an example of a judge who utilised AI to rule on a bail application, demonstrating how AI can be applied in the judicial system. Concerns like bias, interpretability, accountability, and the reduction of human experiences to mere data points are highlighted in this study as they pertain to the influence of AI on judicial decision-making. Concerns about discrimination and unfair outcomes are raised, along with issues of explainability and predictive analytics. In light of the prevalence of AI-generated evaluations, it is stressed how crucial it is to keep human judge’s ability to think critically. The study concludes with case studies from China and England that demonstrate AI's practical applications and limitations in the judicial system. These instances show difficulties including reliance on inadequate data, computational errors, and the need for regulation, monitoring, and responsibility in AI technology use. To secure the responsible and ethical use of AI in judicial decision-making and the preservation of human judgement and dignity, it emphasises the need for effective legislation, human-oversight, and accountability systems. This research study discusses AI's possible benefits and drawbacks in judicial decision-making.

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