Artificial Intelligence And Criminal Justice: Opportunities And Ethical Concerns
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 12
- 1 min read
Shreya Goyal, Advocate at KK Malhotra & Co, Karkardooma District Court, Delhi, India
ABSTRACT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the twenty-first century, profoundly influencing various sectors including healthcare, education, finance, and governance. The criminal justice system has also witnessed increasing integration of AI-based technologies in policing, investigation, adjudication, sentencing, and corrections. AI applications such as predictive policing, facial recognition systems, risk assessment algorithms, digital forensic tools, and automated surveillance have the potential to improve efficiency, accuracy, and resource allocation. However, the deployment of AI in criminal justice raises significant ethical and legal concerns relating to privacy, discrimination, accountability, transparency, due process, and human rights.
This paper examines the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence in enhancing criminal justice administration while critically analysing the ethical challenges associated with its use. The study adopts a socio-legal approach and explores international experiences along with the Indian legal framework. It argues that although AI can serve as an important tool in improving crime prevention and judicial efficiency, excessive reliance on algorithmic decision-making may undermine fundamental constitutional values and principles of natural justice. The paper concludes that the development of robust regulatory frameworks, human oversight mechanisms, and ethical guidelines is essential to ensure that AI serves as an instrument of justice rather than becoming a source of injustice.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Criminal Justice, Predictive Policing, Algorithmic Bias, Ethics, Human Rights, India.
