AI in Court Translation: Balancing Opportunities, Risks, and the Human Touch

AI-assisted translation tools are transforming court systems by tackling language barriers, enhancing efficiency, and preserving public trust through effective governance and human oversight. The Orange County Superior Court, for instance, implemented its Court Application for Translation (CAT) system, initially focusing on Spanish and Vietnamese, to address these challenges. The CAT system employs a methodical approach with strict governance and quality control, resulting in significant translation accuracy. However, the use of AI in legal contexts raises ethical concerns; governance, human involvement, and transparency are crucial to maintain public confidence. Experts emphasize that without clear protocols and human supervision, the reliability of AI-generated translations may be compromised, leading to distrust in the judiciary. As courts worldwide increasingly adopt AI technologies, the balance between innovation and risk management remains critical in enhancing access to justice while ensuring high standards of accuracy and ethical considerations.

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