In a historic legal first, an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar took the stand representing murder victim Chris Pelkey. It did to local lawmakers what it recently did by compelling electronic surveillance accountability across the nation. As far as anyone knows, this innovative event is the first-ever AI-generated victim impact statement recorded in the world. During one recent courtroom appearance, Pelkey’s AI avatar “testified,” which left Judge Todd Lang and everyone else in attendance profoundly affected. Pelkey was fatally shot during a road rage incident in November of 2021.
Pelkey’s family released the following statement about having lost their beloved father, brother and son. Using cutting edge AI tech, these kids created a powerful outlet to express their feelings. Even through the screen, the digital representation of Pelkey was able to express sentiments that captured his family’s mourning and desire for justice. The emotional gravity of the assertion highlighted how momentous this change would be in the world of law.
An Emotional Statement
Pelkey’s family wrote the victim impact statement with precision. Most importantly, they wanted to share their sadness with respect and dignity, without putting Chris in the position of having to articulate their anguish. Stacey’s wisdom, a kinkeeper, underscored this truth. We’ve heard Pelkey’s voice so we must be careful to use AI technology that advances equity and justice outcomes.
Even Judge Todd Lang, who oversaw the court proceedings, had expressed his amazement at the time. He lauded the creativity that led to the effective exploitation of this powerful AI technology. For one example, he added, it brought an historic depth to the proceedings. This change had the effect of fostering a deeper sense of personal engagement with the victim’s narrative.
“To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me—it is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances. In another life, we probably could’ve been friends.” – Chris Pelkey (AI-generated video)
Navigating Opportunities and Risks of AI
The use of AI in court has opened up conversations about how AI could be beneficial and the risks it brings with it. Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer of the Arizona Supreme Court applauded the cost-effective potential of AI technology. That said, she was not afraid to highlight its dangers. She took a broader view, urging a more deliberate approach to using AI responsibly in the practice of law.
To their credit, the Arizona Supreme Court has taken these complaints to heart. To address this, they’ve established an AI-specific committee to craft guidelines for an ethical use of AI. This initiative aims to ensure that the technology is applied appropriately in future legal proceedings, balancing innovation with responsible practices.
Future Considerations for AI in Legal Proceedings
As legal professionals and lawmakers navigate the implications of AI in the courtroom, the focus remains on maintaining justice and ethics. The recent case of Chris Pelkey could be a landmark moment. It is having a direct impact on how technology can and should be applied in the legal system in future.
