Source: The Guardian

The Guardian presents an analysis on how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to strengthen democratic institutions, specifically by addressing chronic inefficiencies in the judicial system. The article argues that the legitimacy of democracy is undermined when justice is delayed, citing massive case backlogs in countries like Brazil and India. It highlights successful implementations of AI, such as the Supreme Court of India's SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court’s Efficiency), which handles procedural tasks like file management and translation, thereby freeing up judges to focus on complex legal reasoning.

The piece makes a crucial legal distinction: AI should not replace the "human judge" in rendering verdicts but should serve as a hyper-efficient clerk to ensure timely access to justice. By automating administrative burdens, AI can make the legal system more responsive and transparent . The author contends that adopting such technologies is not just a modernization effort but a democratic imperative to ensure that the rule of law remains functional and accessible to citizens rather than being buried under procedural weight.