On February 27, 2024, at the offices of the Georgia Bar Association (GBA), the USAID Rule of Law Program (Program) supported a seminar on the topic, Advantages and Challenges of Implementing Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technologies in the Field of Justice.

Magda Beruashvili, Chief Consultant/Assistant to a Judge at the Tbilisi City Court, and recipient of the Program’s Fellowship Fund for Court Personnel, held a presentation on artificial intelligence and modern technologies in the field of justice to 55 representatives of the Legal Aid Service, the GBA, the Mediators Association of Georgia, and academia.

Giorgi Chkheidze, Chief of Party of the Program, welcomed the attendees and explained how the Program’s Fellowship Fund for Court Personnel is meant to increase the knowledge and skill of court personnel with the aim of improving court administration, increasing accessibility to justice, and enhancing people-centered practices in the judiciary. 

Following Mr. Chkeidze’s comments, Zviad Gabisonia, Head of the Doctoral Program in Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Business and Technology and an expert in Artificial Intelligence Law, provided an overview of the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence. During his presentation he remarked, "AI-powered systems can streamline legal processes, enhance decision-making through data analysis, and improve access to justice by automating routine tasks. However, challenges such as ensuring algorithmic fairness and transparency, protecting data privacy, and mitigating biases inherent in AI systems pose significant hurdles."

In her presentation, Ms. Beruashvili explained the various models that can be used to put artificial intelligence to work in the justice system. She gave examples of how AI programs are being implemented in courts around the world. She also discussed ethical considerations related to AI.

The last session of the workshop addressed the legal significance of “qualified electronic signatures” and examined the advantages and disadvantages of electronic contracts under Georgian law.

The participants asked many questions. They wanted to know if AI would be capable of recognizing the elements of a crime, and whether there was a risk of it being biased in its assessments and judgments. Participants also inquired about the application of AI to areas such as consumer agreements and electronic dispute resolution.