UNESCO Guidelines on AI Use in Courts

Paris, December 3, 2025 — UNESCO has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in courts and tribunals, as legal systems worldwide grapple with the rapid rise of AI technologies.

Titled Guidelines for the Use of AI Systems in Courts and Tribunals, the framework seeks to ensure that AI enhances — rather than undermines — human-led justice. The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the uneven adoption of AI tools across judicial systems and the ethical risks associated with their misuse.

Courts under pressure from rising caseloads

According to UNESCO, justice systems in many countries are struggling with overwhelming backlogs. In one South Asian nation alone, more than 53 million cases remain pending, with some unresolved for over three decades due to a shortage of judges.

AI technologies, particularly large language models and automation tools, are increasingly seen as part of the solution. In Argentina, for example, the AI assistant Prometea has boosted case processing rates from 130 to nearly 490 cases per month — a dramatic increase in efficiency. Meanwhile, in Egypt, automated transcription systems introduced in 2024 are improving access to court proceedings and streamlining operations.

Despite these benefits, UNESCO warns of serious risks if AI is used without proper oversight. In the United Kingdom, the High Court recently faced two cases where lawyers submitted AI-generated legal arguments citing non-existent case law. The incidents led to delays, increased costs, and fines of up to $5,000.

Senior judge Dame Victoria Sharp cautioned that misuse of AI could have “serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system.”

UNESCO’s new guidelines introduce 15 core principles to govern the development and use of AI in judicial contexts. These include requirements for transparency, data security, auditability, and — critically — human oversight in all decision-making processes. The framework also outlines practical recommendations for courts and legal professionals, covering the entire lifecycle of AI systems, from development to deployment. It is designed to serve as a global benchmark, enabling countries to create their own tailored regulations.

Findings from UNESCO’s 2024 global survey reveal a significant gap in preparedness within the judiciary. While 44% of respondents reported using AI tools, only 9% had received any formal training. At the same time, 73% expressed support for mandatory regulations governing AI use in legal settings.

“The message is clear,” UNESCO noted. “AI can help deliver justice faster and more equitably — but only when guided by strong ethical standards and human judgment.”

The guidelines build on UNESCO’s long-running Judges’ Initiative, launched in 2013, which has trained more than 36,000 judicial professionals across 160 countries. The programme focuses on issues such as freedom of expression, access to information, and the impact of emerging technologies on justice systems. Development of the new guidelines involved contributions from over 100 experts across 41 countries, as well as reviews by judges, legal scholars, and technology specialists.

The guidelines were formally presented at the Athens Roundtable on AI and the Rule of Law in London on December 4, 2025, marking a significant step in global efforts to align technological innovation with fundamental legal principles.

As courts continue to modernize, UNESCO emphasized that AI must remain a supportive tool — not a substitute for human authority. “The future of justice depends not only on innovation,” the organization stated, “but on preserving the human values at its core.”

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-courtroom-unescos-new-guidelines-judiciary