Courts within the United States approach GenAI with caution, amidst persistent staff shortages and accumulated case backlogs.
The landscape of American state courts is undergoing a significant shift, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) becoming increasingly prevalent. Recent surveys and initiatives indicate a surge in the adoption of AI, aiming to streamline court operations, improve efficiency, and expand access to justice.
A report titled "Staffing, Operations and Technology: A 2025 survey of State Courts," conducted by the Thomson Reuters Institute in partnership with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), offers valuable insights into the current state of AI adoption in U.S. courts.
According to the survey, 55% of respondents rate AI and Generative AI (GenAI) as having a transformational or high impact on courts over the next five years. The report also reveals that 70% of courts reported staff shortages in the past year, with 61% anticipating continued shortages in the next 12 months.
In an effort to address these challenges and educate the judiciary, the Thomson Reuters Institute/NCSC AI Policy Consortium for Law and Courts was launched in 2024. The consortium has produced numerous white papers, hosted an ongoing monthly webinar series, and provided other guidance to expand the education of the legal community on evolving AI technology and solutions.
California has taken a proactive approach to AI regulation, becoming the first U.S. jurisdiction to implement a comprehensive AI policy for court staff and judges. By September 1, 2025, all state courts in California must either ban generative AI or regulate its use.
Another notable initiative is the AI-Enhanced Court Diversion Platform, a collaboration between the NCSC and the American Arbitration Association. This platform aims to streamline civil case management, preserve judicial resources, and improve access to justice. Pilot programs are currently underway in locations such as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
As AI continues to advance, it is expected to bring about several significant impacts on court operations over the next five years. One such impact is increased efficiency and resource management, with AI automating preliminary assessments and case evaluations, thereby reducing judicial workload and improving the speed of case resolution.
AI-enhanced platforms are also expected to increase access to justice by streamlining civil case diversion processes, reducing delays, and improving outcomes for all parties involved.
Regulatory frameworks surrounding AI in courts will continue to evolve, with California leading the way. The White House AI Action Plan may also influence state court systems by discouraging overly restrictive AI regulations, potentially leading to more liberal AI policies in states seeking federal funding.
The survey also revealed concerns about AI, with 35% of court professionals expressing worry about AI leading to an overreliance on technology over skill, and 25% fearing AI being used maliciously, such as for counterfeit orders and evidence.
Despite these concerns, court professionals predict that in the next year, GenAI will help them save an average of nearly three hours a week, rising to nearly nine hours a week within five years.
In conclusion, AI adoption in state courts is rapidly expanding, driven by both regulatory efforts and technological innovations. Over the next five years, AI is expected to significantly improve court efficiency, access to justice, and operational effectiveness, while also facing regulatory challenges and influences from federal policies. A copy of the report "Staffing, Operations and Technology: A 2025 survey of State Courts" is available for download for those interested in learning more about this transformative change.
Technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) is projected to have a transformational impact on courts over the next five years, according to a survey titled "Staffing, Operations and Technology: A 2025 survey of State Courts." In an effort to address the staff shortages and regulate AI use, initiatives like the Thomson Reuters Institute/NCSC AI Policy Consortium for Law and Courts have been launched, offering guidance on evolving AI technologies and solutions.
