AI is ‘entering the courtroom to stay’, says Scotland’s most senior judge
Scotland’s most senior judge, Lord Pentland, stated AI is permanently integrating into courtrooms and urged legal professionals to adapt to its use, citing its growing role in efficiency and risks like bias and misinformation. He highlighted current AI applications in Scottish courts, including transcription and case prioritization, while warning against over-reliance on algorithms and emphasizing the need to preserve judicial independence and fairness.
Scotland’s most senior judge, Lord Pentland, declared AI is ‘entering the courtroom to stay’ and called for legal professionals to embrace its potential while addressing risks. Speaking at the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow, he noted AI is already widely used in Scottish and international court systems, with 89% of legal professionals surveyed in the UK and Ireland Legal Insights Report 2026 utilizing AI tools. Current applications include natural language processing for transcription, translation, and online civil action forms, aiming to improve efficiency and accessibility. Lord Pentland emphasized AI could streamline court processes, such as sorting cases or summarizing documents, but warned judges must not delegate decision-making to algorithms. He cautioned about rising cases where unrepresented parties use AI-generated submissions, often inaccurately, increasing judicial workloads. The technology’s biases also pose challenges, requiring careful design to uphold the rule of law. The judge acknowledged a future where AI-driven alternatives could resolve disputes faster and cheaper than traditional courts, but stressed the judiciary’s role remains irreplaceable. He urged creative approaches to ensure public understanding of the justice system, especially among younger generations. Lord Pentland’s remarks followed Lord Reed’s warning that courts may need to adopt AI to counter rising claim volumes. John Bett, Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators, supported the integration, stating AI’s rapid adoption demands proactive adaptation within the legal community. While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential, Lord Pentland rejected claims it would obsolete judges or lawyers, framing it as a tool to enhance—not replace—justice.
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