Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced systems that analyze legal information, identify correlations across documents, and support decision-making. New possibilities for automation present opportunities and challenges for the administration of justice. These possibilities raise complex questions about the compatibility of the deployment of AI in courts with fair trial guarantees under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This article examines whether and under what conditions the use of AI systems in courts may create legitimate doubts as to a court’s impartiality within the meaning of Article 6
(1) of the ECHR. Drawing on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, a distinction was made between the subjective and objective elements of impartiality, and an analysis was carried out of how the use of AI in the decision-making process might affect each of them. The paper argues that the use of AI in courts is a question of confidence in the justice system, and perceived impartiality may stem from limited transparency about the role of AI in decision-making, insufficient oversight, and excessive reliance on AI outputs.
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