Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 38
38
Accepted in Part
Piecemeal digitisation hinders full adoption of digital court processes and AI capabilities
Conclusion
Despite the bold ambitions of the Ministry of Justice, the piecemeal approach that has been taken to digitisation hampers any intentions of adopting a fully digital court process. Existing systems inhibit the early adoption of AI or a move to digital court bundles despite the innovation occurring in the legal sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 154)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government accepts in part, detailing the AI Action Plan for Justice published in July 2025 which outlines a responsible approach to AI adoption across the justice system, and highlighting ongoing HMCTS pilots for AI-powered solutions to improve court operations.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted in Part
Accept. A project to continue providing a digital case management and e-Filing solution in the High Court is under way, with a key requirement being better operability with existing Civil, Family and Tribunals platform. HMCTS is committed to providing the highest quality services for all jurisdictions that resources allow. Accept in part. The AI Action Plan for Justice, published in July 2025, sets out the Ministry of Justice’s approach to responsible and proportionate AI adoption across courts, tribunals, prisons, probation and supporting services. It has been developed in consultation with the judiciary and legal services regulators and will be implemented in collaboration with our wider justice sector partners such as the Home Office, the Crown Prosecution Service and our trade unions. It complements wider government efforts to safely modernise public services and builds on the UK’s global strengths in legal services, data science, and AI innovation. As such, the Ministry of Justice has already conducted consultation into the use of AI to improve the performance and operations of the justice system.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗