A Constitutional Study on the Implementation of AI for Judicial Use

In the contemporary intelligence information society, artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized in various sectors due to the advancement of science and technology. Amidst this trend, the legal technology (LegalTech) industry, which integrates technology with legal advisory and litigation services, has been experiencing a leap in growth. Furthermore, the application of artificial intelligence in the judicial duties of judges is garnering significant interest and expectation for speeding up legal proceedings and enhancing the efficiency of judicial administration. Artificial intelligence used in the judiciary can be broadly classified into two types. First, there is AI that entirely replaces human judgment, exemplified by the initiative in Estonia in 2019 to implement AI for conducting small claims trials. Second, there is AI designed to assist human judges, such as algorithms that help draft verdicts based on similar case precedents or provide appropriate sentencing recommendations for defendants in criminal trials. In this regard, some state courts in the United States have incorporated the COMPAS algorithm into sentencing procedures within criminal justice processes. This surge in AI development seems to have an international impact on judicial procedures, influencing the judicial policies of the courts in South Korea significantly. Specifically, National Court Administration has announced plans to alleviate the workload of judges and address the issue of trial delays through the introduction of what is referred to as the ‘Next-Generation Electronic Litigation System.’ However, while AI technology may assist in accelerating trial processes, there are considerable concerns regarding the protection of litigants' right to a fair trial and democratic legitimacy. Above all, the potential for data and algorithm errors in judicial-use AI could compromise the fairness of trials or lead to miscalculation due to biased legal decisions. This study examines the constitutional issues concerning the advent of AI judges in the era of artificial intelligence are explored, particularly the infringement of the litigants' right to a fair trial, the problems of restoring the original state following miscalculation, and the responsibilities of judges. Furthermore, the study examines legislative trends abroad concerning the use of AI in judicial tasks, and seeks legislative improvement strategies for the principles and premises that must be adhered to by AI utilized in the judiciary during the era of artificial intelligence.