Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Automated Decision-Making in Criminal Justice

Artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting our everyday lives in a myriad of ways. The use of algorithms, AI agents and big data techniques also creates unprecedented opportunities for the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences and the efficiency of the criminal justice system. Equally, however, the rapid increase of AI and big data in criminal justice raises a plethora of criminological, ethical, legal and technological questions and concerns, eg about enhanced surveillance and control in a pre-crime society and the risk of bias or even manipulation in (automated) decision-making. In view of the stakes involved, the need for regulation of AI and its alignment with human rights, democracy and the rule of law standards has been amply recognised, both globally and regionally. The lawfulness, social acceptance and overall legitimacy of AI, big data and automated decision-making in criminal justice will depend on a range of factors, including (algorithmic) transparency, trustworthiness, non-discrimination, accountability, responsibility, effective oversight, data protection, due process, fair trial, access to justice, effective redress and remedy. Addressing these issues and raising awareness on AI systems’ capabilities and limitations within criminal justice is needed to be better prepared for the future that is now upon us. This special issue on ‘Artificial intelligence, big data and automated decision-making in criminal justice’ presents topical and innovative papers on the above issues, selected following a call for papers.