Computational thinking provides a framework for analysing this ethical dilemma and understanding its complexity.
Decomposition
The issue can be broken down into key components:
- The client
- The legal professional
- The AI system
- The justice system
Each component plays a role in how decisions are made and how outcomes are experienced.
Abstraction
AI systems focus on data and patterns, often ignoring important contextual factors such as:
- Individual circumstances
- Cultural considerations
- Emotional and social context
This can result in incomplete or unfair decision-making.
Algorithmic Thinking
AI follows a structured process:
- Data is collected
- Patterns are analysed
- Predictions are generated
- Recommendations are provided
While efficient, this process lacks human judgement and ethical reasoning.
Evaluation
Evaluation is essential to ensure that AI systems are functioning ethically. This includes:
- Assessing accuracy and reliability
- Identifying bias or errors
- Reviewing the impact on clients
If AI systems produce incorrect or unfair outcomes, legal professionals must be able to challenge and correct these decisions.