Zambia's Judiciary Embraces Technology to Enhance Fairness
In an era where technology is often hailed as the panacea for myriad challenges, Zambian Supreme Court Judge Abha Nayar Patel offers a measured perspective. Speaking to the Indian Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, she underscored the significance of technology in the judicial realm, but with a caveat: it must enhance fairness and access.
The outbreak of COVID-19 catalysed the digitisation of court procedures across the globe, and Zambia was no exception. Virtual testimonies and digital court records became necessities, not luxuries, as the world grappled with unprecedented restrictions. Yet, as Judge Patel pointed out, these innovations have a lasting place in the judicial ecosystem, provided they serve their fundamental purpose — to make justice more accessible.
A Cautious Embrace of AI
Judge Patel, however, remains sceptical about the unbridled use of artificial intelligence in courtrooms. 'Allowing the play of algorithms in justice delivery would bring with it historical bias,' she noted. Her words echo a growing concern within legal circles globally: that AI, while efficient, could inadvertently cement existing prejudices if not carefully managed.
AI's potential in legal processes is undeniable, from streamlining case management to predicting judicial outcomes. But the risk lies in its reliance on past data, which may reflect the very biases the judiciary seeks to eliminate.
A Step Towards Greater Access
Beyond AI, the digitisation of court records and the implementation of virtual hearings represent a stride towards wider access to justice. These measures, initially born out of necessity during the pandemic, are now recognised as vital tools for inclusivity. A digital judiciary means reduced geographical and financial barriers for litigants, a significant step forward in a region where such hurdles are all too common.
The integration of technology in Zambia's judiciary is a cautious yet optimistic journey. As Judge Patel aptly puts it, technology's role is not to replace human judgement but to support it, ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
