Transforming Justice: Morocco Embraces Artificial Intelligence in Court Systems

Wednesday 17 July 2024 - 09:50

In a landmark move, Morocco’s Ministry of Justice is set to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the national court system, aiming to elevate judicial efficiency, enhance the quality of legal work, and streamline citizens’ access to justice. This initiative, detailed in an official document from the ministry, marks a significant step forward in the country's ongoing efforts to digitize its services.

Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi, addressing a parliamentary inquiry from an opposition group, confirmed the ministry's ambitious plans to leverage AI for judicial processes. He revealed that one of the primary applications of AI would be to "transcribe judgments through AI-supported voice dictation." This technology will automatically convert speech to text, enabling judges to draft judgments more swiftly and thereby expedite subsequent judicial procedures.

Furthermore, the ministry intends to utilize AI to harness judicial precedents. By facilitating access to vast databases of past judgments, AI will assist judges in forming well-informed views on the cases before them. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a "smart and integrated digital system" within the judiciary, which also includes the automatic recording and transcription of court sessions. These recordings will document proceedings accurately, addressing linguistic challenges posed by Morocco’s diverse dialects, including Darija and Amazigh.

In pursuit of these advancements, the Ministry of Justice is forging partnerships with leading international AI organizations, working in collaboration with the Supreme Council of the Judiciary to implement these cutting-edge projects.

Expanding Digital Services

Minister Ouahbi highlighted several digital platforms that the ministry has developed to improve service quality for litigants and judiciary members. Notably, the electronic criminal record service now allows individuals to request and receive criminal records remotely, eliminating the need for physical travel to criminal record centers. Similarly, the process for applying for and obtaining nationality certificates has been digitized, with applicants able to verify their identities online.

The ministry has also streamlined the process for paying fines related to infractions and misdemeanors. Individuals can now pay fines electronically using either their report number or national identification number, simplifying what was once a cumbersome process.

To support the judicial professionals, the ministry has created the "National Electronic Directory of Legal and Judicial Professions," an integrated database that is continuously updated and accessible to the public. Moreover, an online platform for the prison system now allows for the submission of requests for pardons, conditional releases, and release orders, making the process more efficient for detainees and their families.

Another significant digital resource is the ministry’s "Adala" digital library. This comprehensive database includes legal texts, judicial precedents, Constitutional Court decisions, and international conventions, all searchable through a sophisticated, multi-criteria search engine.

For lawyers, the "Lawyer’s Platform for Electronic Exchange with the Courts" serves as a virtual office, enabling electronic submission of documents, case notifications, court fee payments, and access to copies of judgments. This platform also facilitates the registration of notification and enforcement requests and tracking of bank transfers for enforced payments.

Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements

Mohamed Abdelouahab Rafiqui, an advisor to Minister Ouahbi, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to embracing technological advancements. He noted that the ministry has been a forerunner in digitizing services, allowing Moroccan citizens to access criminal records and carry out various legal procedures remotely.

Rafiqui highlighted the digital legal office's role in providing access to previous rulings and cases, underscoring the ministry’s strategy to harness technology for the benefit of citizens. "In this era of AI, it is very natural for the ministry to keep pace with this development and employ it to serve the user and the citizen," he stated.

He also pointed out the ministry’s plans to work with leading AI organizations to implement AI technologies in recording court sessions and drafting reports using voice-to-text techniques. This will enable judges to refer to past cases and judicial precedents, aiding them in forming well-informed opinions.

Rafiqui concluded by noting that the ministry's efforts to document court sessions with AI are ongoing, with workshops and further advancements anticipated as scientific and technological developments continue to progress.

As Morocco strides forward with these initiatives, the integration of AI into the judicial system stands to transform the landscape of justice, promising greater efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy for all citizens.