Streamlining Criminal Justice: Using AI for Effective Case Backlog Management

Deepthi Kallahakalu Vijay Dev

Abstract: Recently, court backlogs have escalated into a pressing issue within the criminal justice system, causing trial delays, increased costs, and prolonged periods of uncertainty. The backlog in courts has a multi - dimensional impact, affecting various stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, defendants, and plaintiffs. These delays not only disrupt the lives of those directly involved in the cases but also strain the resources of the entire justice system. As courts grapple with unprecedented delays and increased caseloads, the situation demands immediate attention and innovative solutions to expedite legal proceedings while maintaining the crucial principles of fairness and efficiency. This white paper underscores the immediate need for creative solutions. It explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to mitigate these challenges by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of case management and judicial processes. By analyzing current issues contributing to court backlogs and examining successful AI applications in other sectors, this paper proposes innovative AI - driven solutions tailored to the complexities of the criminal justice system. Key considerations include ethical implications, implementation challenges, and the crucial role of stakeholders in fostering AI adoption for sustainable court reform. Their involvement is important and integral to the reform process, making them the key players in this transformation.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, AI, Judicial System, Court Backlogs, Case Prioritization, Resource Allocation, Predictive Analytics, Document Analysis, Legal Research, Natural Language Processing, NLP, Virtual Courtrooms, Case Flow Management