Author: Janelle Pascall, Chief Communications Officer, Connected Caribbean
AI is changing the game in the Caribbean justice sector, where court backlogs and administrative inefficiencies have long stood in the way of prompt justice. Using new AI-powered case management tools, The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) is playing a leading role in empowering Caribbean judiciaries to spearhead a digital revolution that’s improving the quality and reliability of court services for all.
Why it matters
Many Caribbean countries rank below the global average in judicial efficiency and access to justice. According to The World Justice Project, many countries in the Caribbean face prolonged case delays, severely impacting access to justice. Delayed justice has grave consequences for individuals and society. When cases drag on for years, it erodes public trust in the legal system and leaves vulnerable groups without timely recourse, deepening the inequality that already exists within our region. Victims experience prolonged trauma and limited closure, while accused individuals face uncertainty that can affect their livelihoods. In recent years, the region has seen some strides in justice reform, much of it driven by technological advancements that came about during the Covid-19 pandemic. This catastrophic event brought about major transformations including but not limited to virtual courtrooms, e-filing and digital case management. More recently, at the forefront of some of these changes is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the justice sector. AI supports legal research and improves access to justice by streamlining processes and enhancing the system’s overall efficiency
So, what did we do?
In 2022, CAJS began developing AI-powered tools to enable courts to streamline administration and improve case management processes. In 2023, CAJS launched two AI tools, JUDI, to automate the creating of court documents, and AIDA, to facilitate legal research. These tools are already proving their value in helping to reduce the strain on judicial resources and improve the overall efficiency and accessibility of justice systems. By automating time-consuming tasks such as legal research and court data analysis, AI tools like JUDI and AIDA help free up human resources for more complex tasks and responsibilities.
“AI has transformed case analysis by enabling us to sift through thousands of documents, such as laws, judgments and legal precedents, in seconds, a task that once took weeks. For users of court services, legal professionals and ordinary citizens alike, this acceleration means faster resolutions and justice served without delay.”
Bevil Wooding, Executive Director, Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions
Caribbean problems… Caribbean talent… Caribbean solutions.
Through initiatives like its PEAK (Professional Enhancement and Applied Knowledge) internship programme, CAJS has a commitment to training and upskilling professionals who can manage and operate these new technology systems. This focus on local capacity building is one of the distinguishing features of the Agency and reflects its commitment to ensuring that the region’s technological advancements are sustainable and self-sufficient, paving the way for a more resilient justice system.
“The PEAK Internship program has been critical to empowering our local talent. It invests in our people, equipping them with essential skills to strengthen the delivery of justice and ensuring that we can remain at the forefront of technological advancement.”
Justice Indira Francis, President, Bahamas Industrial Tribunal
What’s next?
As more Caribbean nations adopt AI-driven judicial solutions, the implementation of systems developed by CAJS are becoming a model for other emerging markets looking to modernize their legal systems. The impact of AI is already inspiring ongoing discussions around expanding access to justice, including helping lawyers identify precedents in case law, enable administrations in streamlining judicial processes, and supporting judges with predictions on issues including sentence duration and recidivism scores. These advancements could make justice even more accessible, especially for remote communities where traditional court infrastructure is limited.
“Using AI in my practice enables me to deliver more accurate and data-driven insights to clients. The integration of AI into our workflows has not only improved efficiency but also enhanced the accuracy of our work, ensuring that our clients receive a level of service that is both thorough and precise.”
Theo Jones, Attorney-at-Law, Barbados
The power of collaboration
This success story traces its roots back to the Connected Caribbean Summit held in 2023, where regional leaders across the justice sector, including judges, Chief Justices, technocrats, and industry experts deeply invested in Caribbean development came together to explore how digital tools could better address some of the region’s most pressing justice challenges. By coming together at forums like the Connected Caribbean Summit, regional leaders have shown that they can turn shared challenges into solutions and solutions into shared successes.
“Our goal as a solutions oriented regional agency is clear: to build a justice system that is efficient, inclusive, and equipped to meet current demands and anticipate future ones. The solutions we’re implementing today are just the beginning. We’re committed to keeping the Caribbean at the forefront of global justice reform.”
Bevil Wooding, Executive Director, Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions
Want to learn more or get involved? Contact us to learn more at solutions@caribbeanjustice.org