SC evaluating use of AI

The Supreme Court disclosed that it is already evaluating the use of Artificial Intelligence or AI services to alleviate and complement the workload of the courts.

Specifically, through

AI- enabled legal research tools and AI-enabled voice-to-text transcription applications to support the work of court stenographers.

Justice Maria Filomena Singh informed the members of the Bar and Bench that the Court is currently working with experts to teach AI programs to better understand local accents and intonations for more accurate transcriptions.

This, as Singh listened to the concerns of the members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Tarlac Chapter, including judges, prosecutors, lawyers from both the private and public sectors, as well as representatives from the local government in a recent dialogue.

Aside from AI, the importance of Access, that the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 endeavors to conduct judicial proceedings which are free from discrimination of any form, and which promote respect, sensitivity, and inclusivity across distinct genders, identities, roles, needs and vulnerabilities.

Also, as part of the current drive to innovate, the SC has revitalized and made mandatory the Clinical Legal Education Program in law schools across the country as part of its efforts to make legal aid more available to those most in need.

In line with this, Justice Singh implored the Integrated Bar of the Philippines members of Tarlac to contribute their time to be law supervisors to law student practitioners in the local law schools.

The high bench will also soon release a National Directory of Free Legal Aid Providers, which will list down all free legal aid providers in the country including the Public Attorney's Office, private firms and law clinics.

Justice Singh also emphasized the strides the Supreme Court has taken in improving gender sensitivity and gender fair etiquette. The Supreme Court has already released the Guidelines for the Use of Gender Fair Language and Gender Fair Courtroom Etiquette in the Judiciary and will soon roll out an updated Gender Sensitivity Training Program.

She reminds the judges and lawyers that these new guidelines reflect the needs of our current society, and aim to raise the respectfulness and decorum in judicial proceedings.

Justice Singh also spoke of plans to create better career opportunities for the courts' non-legal staff, through the creation of degree and certificate programs for non-legal staff, the courts can motivate its employees to perform at their highest level so they can qualify for higher positions in the institution.

In relation to Innovation, running all court systems and processes, both adjudicative and administrative, electronically, but Singh acknowledged that these innovations will not happen overnight, it will take time, but there is a collective effort on the part of the government to make these plans a reality.

Finally, Justice Singh requested the members of the Bench and the Bar of Tarlac to help the Supreme Court in delivering efficient, innovative and accessible justice as envisioned in the SPJI as she reminded them, "We are one sector. We deliver one service to the public. Justice can only be fully realized if we work hand in hand."