“When it comes to civil law, artificial intelligence identifies suitable jurors, speeds legal research, predicts judicial outcomes, and promises cheaper and faster electronic discovery. These AI use cases are becoming table stakes in litigation support software for law firms and corporate legal departments.
But when it comes to helping pro se litigants navigate the complex and intimidating civil court structure, AI isn’t helping them access court procedures and legal documents.
According to the Legal Services Corp., 86% of the civil legal needs of low-income Americans received inadequate or no aid. On average, close to 50% of all cases filed in the U.S. Courts of Appeals since 1995 were pro se. In 2019, the National Center for State Courts reported from anecdotal data that 75% or more civil cases in state and local courts have at least one self-represented litigant.
These pro se litigants need detailed information about their legal rights, how courts work, filing documents and handling their cases. They are draining court resources already hampered by financial constraints and manual processes.
With AI using data to improve customer experience in other industries—from banking and retail to consumer electronics and transportation—can it enhance access to justice in civil court?”
This article was originally posted in the ABA Journal
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