Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F Leonen discussed the Supreme Court’s (SC’s) Governance Framework on the Use of Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence in the Judiciary (AIGovernance Framework) in a recent lecture.

The framework is a comprehensive guide on the responsible use of human-centered augmented intelligence in the judicial system, based on ethical principles such as fairness, accountability, and transparency.

Leonen explained that under the AI Governance Framework, court personnel may not use AI tools unless the Court approves them.

Presently, the only approved AI tool is Scriptix, a voice-to-text transcription tool used by court stenographers.

Leonen stressed that AI differs fundamentally from human intelligence. “[AI] can follow complex procedures…but it cannot understand,” he stressed.

Human, AI discerned

While acknowledging that human intelligence is difficult to define, Leonen identified several qualities that distinguish it from AI.

He noted that human intelligence is embodied, emotional, contextual, situational, and cultural — qualities that shape how people perceive, interpret, and respond to the world.

He warned that AI’s growing capabilities present serious risks when used without caution.

One risk, he explained, is overreliance: as people increasingly delegate thinking and writing tasks to AI systems, they may gradually lose the skills they no longer practice.

Citing research on neuroplasticity, he warned that abilities that are not regularly exercised can deteriorate over time.

“What you do not use, you will lose,” he warned; he also cautioned against allowing AI to narrow human curiosity and critical inquiry.

Because AI can quickly generate precise answers, users may become less inclined to explore alternative perspectives, ask follow-up questions, or challenge their own assumptions.