SC pilots AI tools to aid indigent litigants, improve court efficiency

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo highlighted the Supreme Court's shift towards digital processes to assist individuals who cannot afford legal fees.

The SC is pilot-testing AI tools like SCRIPTIX for voice-to-text transcription and legal research to enhance court performance, particularly addressing shortages in court stenographers.

AI will also be used for generating legal templates for pro se litigants and integrating blockchain technology for evidence management and electronic notarization to improve public trust in legal transactions.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen emphasized the importance of engaging experts to ensure accuracy and prevent AI from 'hallucinating', while Chief Justice Gesmundo assured that human judges will remain essential for empathy and compassion.

Digital signing of court-issued papers will reduce physical paperwork, enhance security, and prevent unauthorized alterations or forgery.