AI in Justice Systems: Theory and Research

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Generate and present verbal and written arguments.
• Develop superior problem-solving, critical thinking, and research skills, using library and electronic resources.
• Critically assess and interpret policy, data, theory, and literature.
• Work both independently and constructively with others

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Understand, apply, and critically assess relevant laws and their policy implications, specifically in relation to the use of AI for surveillance, investigation, and crime prediction.
• Evaluate the contributions of the extant multidisciplinary literature on the prospects, challenges, and governance of such technologies.
• Critically examine theoretical and empirical accounts of the use of AI in justice systems and the implications for diverse groups.

1.Introduction (AI in justice systems: contemporary issues)

2.Predictive AI 1 (prospects, legal, social, and ethical challenges of predicting future crime locations)

3.Predictive AI 2 (prospects, legal, social, and ethical and ethical challenges of predicting future perpetrators)

4.Predictive AI in justice systems 3 (Automating criminal proceedings and judicial decision making)

5.Surveillance AI ((prospects, legal, social, and ethical challenges of social media policing)

6.Surveillance AI (Facial recognition technologies in public spaces: Identifying ‘the usual suspects’?)

7.Case example 1: Taking surveillance AI to court: Implications for policy and practice

8.Case example 2: Taking predictive AI to court: Implications for policy and practice

9.AI in justice systems: Impact on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law

10.AI in justice systems: Perspectives on governance

11.International comparisons

12.Module overview & assessment guidance

Teaching and learning methods

This module is taught through eleven, two-hour seminars. Learning will occur through reading, analysis, and discussion of essential and further readings.

Assessment strategy

Essay (100%)

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.