UK tests AI transcripts to improve access to justice and reduce court costs
Court reform in the UK explores AI tools to reduce transcript costs and delays.
The UK Ministry of Justice, alongside HM Courts & Tribunals Service, has launched a study examining how AI can be used to generate court transcripts more efficiently.
The initiative aims to reduce the cost and time required for accessing official court records.
Currently, transcript fees can be prohibitively expensive, limiting access for victims seeking clarity on court proceedings. The proposed use of AI-based systems, including in-house tools such as Justice Transcribe, could lower these barriers while maintaining required accuracy standards.
The policy forms part of broader efforts in the UK to modernise the justice system and enhance transparency. It aligns with legislative developments, including the Victims and Courts Bill, and plans to provide free access to sentencing remarks in Crown Court cases from 2027.
By improving access to legal records, the initiative seeks to strengthen accountability and support victims’ understanding of judicial processes, contributing to a more accessible and responsive justice system.
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