Replacing, Supporting or Enhancing Judges? Judge AI Considerations for the Future

Technologies that have emerged over the past five years are changing the way in which judges work. Some of the technologies can support judges and others have the potential to replace them. This article considers international developments in selected jurisdictions as well as barriers to the take-up of technology. From the use of supportive technologies including generative AI and videoconferencing, to the development of technologies that guide and monitor judges, there are differing ethical impacts as well as impacts on the role of judges as guardians of the court system and protectors of democratic arrangements. The impacts on the judiciary of these types of technologies are considered together with more future-focused options. For example, how might judges be "enhanced" in the future and what options could be available to enhance, rather than replace, judges with supportive technologies?