Revolution in Lower Saxony: AI programs optimize judicial work!

Revolution in Lower Saxony: AI programs optimize judicial work!

Innovations in the judiciary: Lower Saxony AI programs on the rise

We live in an exciting time in which the Lower Saxony judiciary is taking the leap into the digital future. The development of new AI programs that are intended to support everyday life in courts is already well underway. These programs have the illustrious names “Tabea”, “Maki”, “Emil” and “Aleks” and are being tested and further developed in the administrative court in Hanover. It makes you wonder where the journey is going, right?

A main focus is on asylum lawsuits, which, due to their uniform nature, offer an ideal field of activity for AI. There are currently over 19,500 main asylum procedures in Lower Saxony, which take an average processing time of 13.5 months. The federal states' goal is clear: processing must be faster. An undertaking that could be significantly simplified with the use of AI to increase efficiency and simplify work steps.

Functionalities of the AI ​​programs

The programs are intended to be used specifically in various areas of the justice system. “Aleks” is being tested at the Higher Regional Court in Celle in order to prepare judgments for publication. It searches the relevant judgments for identifiable characteristics, while “Emil” acts as a cognitive assistant that makes information from various databases accessible. Another duo, “Maki” and “Tabea”, helps the judges write verdict texts for mass trials. Here the work is, so to speak, raised to a modern basis.

Another important point: All results generated by the AI ​​programs are subject to thorough review. This is particularly relevant since around 16,000 employees in the Lower Saxony justice system can use these tools. The use of AI is voluntary, so there is the freedom to choose your own working methods.

Virtual reality in the courtroom

The training of young judges is being advanced not only with traditional software solutions, but also with a VR program called “CourtnAI”. However, it remains to be noted that AI will not replace judges’ decision-making. That's a reassuring thought at a time when technology is often viewed with suspicion, isn't it?

However, there are concerns that should not be ignored. The data protection officer has highlighted the challenges arising from the growing amount of data. A legitimate concern, after all, we all want to ensure that our data remains protected even in a digital future.

Outlook and legal framework

The nationwide introduction of AI programs in Lower Saxony has not yet been decided, but gradual further development is already being planned. A new draft law is intended to accelerate the decision-making process in Lower Saxony and the surrounding federal states of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The experience with the long asylum procedures has shown how important it is to act quickly in the justice system. No matter what developments lie ahead here, one thing is certain: Lower Saxony is taking a pioneering role and showing how innovative technologies can bring about positive change in the legal system.

An exciting time for the interaction of technology and law - let's look forward to the next steps!