Jamaica has become one of the first Caribbean countries to implement clear rules for how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in courts.
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes announced on Wednesday that the new guidelines are designed to ensure that AI enhances justice delivery without undermining fairness, accuracy and integrity.
Justice Sykes said the rules apply to the Supreme Court, the Revenue Court, the High Court and the Circuit divisions of the Gun Court.
He explained that the rules specify how attorneys, litigants and court staff may responsibly use generative AI tools in preparing and managing court related documents.
While acknowledging that there is a growing use of AI in the preparation of legal documents, the Chief Justice called for its responsible, secure and transparent use as that will be critical to maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
“Generative AI will enhance efficiency and streamline court operations. It will simplify the preparation of legal submissions, reduce clerical delays, ease the filing process and support self-represented litigants. Court staff will also use AI to include document management, case scheduling and information retrieval, ensuring proceedings are faster, more accurate and transparent. For ordinary Jamaicans, these changes mean faster access to justice, clearer processes and a system that works for everyone,” said Justice Sykes.
The Chief Justice urged attorneys to thoroughly review documents done with the assistance of AI before submission to the court.