Source: Representing Yourself Canada

Representing Yourself Canada discusses the increasing presence and "inevitability" of artificial intelligence in Canadian courts and its specific implications for self-represented litigants. The article acknowledges that AI tools are being explored and implemented within the legal system for various purposes, such as case management, legal research, and potentially even in judicial decision-making support.

While AI could offer potential benefits like increased efficiency and access to legal information, the article focuses on the challenges it presents for individuals navigating the court system without legal counsel. Self-represented litigants may lack the technical knowledge or resources to effectively utilize AI tools or to understand how AI might be used by opposing parties or the court itself. This could potentially exacerbate existing inequalities in access to justice.

The piece highlights the need for initiatives to support self-represented litigants in an AI-assisted legal environment, including providing accessible AI tools, clear guidance on their use, and ensuring that the integration of AI does not create new barriers to a fair hearing. The goal is to ensure that technological advancements in the legal system promote, rather than hinder, access to justice for all Canadians, regardless of their access to legal representation.