AI Program Assists Judges in Rulings

An artificial intelligence pilot program in Los Angeles County courts is being introduced to assist judges in drafting rulings in certain cases, according to officials familiar with the initiative. The system is designed to support judicial decision-making by organizing legal arguments and summarizing case materials.

The software, known as Learned Hand, was developed by a legal technology company led by chief executive Shlomo Klapper. The company stated that the tool is currently being used by court systems in 10 U.S. states. The program is intended to streamline case review processes and reduce administrative workload for judges.

In Michigan, the state Supreme Court began using the software during the previous summer to review applications for permission to appeal in both civil and criminal matters. A spokesperson for the court confirmed that the system has been integrated into preliminary case evaluation procedures.

Officials involved in the Los Angeles County pilot indicated that the AI system does not replace judicial authority. Judges remain responsible for final decisions and are expected to independently review all recommendations generated by the software.

The deployment in Los Angeles County is part of a broader effort within the judiciary to explore technological tools that may improve efficiency and case management. Court administrators reported that the pilot program will be monitored to assess accuracy, reliability, and compliance with legal standards.

Legal experts and court officials have stated that safeguards are in place to ensure that the system operates within existing legal frameworks. These measures include oversight protocols and limitations on how the AI-generated content is used in official rulings.

The company behind Learned Hand stated that ongoing updates and evaluations are being conducted as more jurisdictions adopt the technology. Court systems participating in the program are expected to provide feedback on performance and operational impact.