The rise of big data and the subsequent centrality of analytics has started to have an impact on nearly every industry and occupation in the globe a trend that is only set to continue. With developing technology and more data to fuel analytics engines, we are probably going to find smart data tools everywhere even in the court room. It may seem a little alien at first, but analytics and AI are already helping lawyers to do their job more effectively. Here is a look at early indications of just how useful it might be to use advanced data technology in the court room.
Simplified research
Unlike glamorous TV shows of unforgettable court room battles, the reality of the law is that lawyers spend most their time reading. They rummage through hundreds of years worth of cases looking for the precedent, case references, or moments of inspiration that they need to defend or prosecute their clients.
While most large law firms have a team of junior associates who are tasked with finding diamonds in that data, smaller, more progressive firms can still compete in the space. The key is using analytics and computers to sift through millions of facts to find something useful.
Companies are already creating and releasing courtroom analytics tools that offer this kind of functionality. While these are by no means mature, they offer advanced data search functionality around rulings, judge preferences, multiple motion types, and so on.
This means that legal professionals can waste less time looking for answers and arm themselves with relevant information from the outset. Although the analytics within the legal research space are still in their developmental phase, its obvious to see why more lawyers are likely to arm their teams with this kind of technology.
Predicting personalities
Predictive analytics is developing at an alarming rate. This powerful mathematics allows legal professionals to predict certain developments in cases based on precedent, and adjust accordingly.
One powerful application of analytics in this space would be jury selection. While it might not seem like a natural fit, the ability to accurately forecast the way in which a person will react to specific evidence might allow attorneys to make more informed choices when selecting jurors.
Similarly, the ability to predict peoples reactions before they happen could help lawyers choose witnesses more accurately. The preparation of a witness, which is a key process in some cases, could be greatly aided through predictive analytics that predicts the likelihood of any number of potential arguments and questions.
While this would undoubtedly raise several ethical and legal concerns for lawyers and legislative authorities alike, the reality is that technology of this kind is readily available which means it might already be in use.
Controlled settlements and sentences
Most legal battles end in one of either two ways. Either the parties settle their dispute and agree to the terms of a settlement, or an offender is sentenced to a punishment reflective of their crime. Both the introduction of analytics and Artificial Intelligence could aid potential outcomes.
In terms of a settlement, predictive analytics is already used for calculating settlement figures and forecasting income. It could be used to calculate the likelihood of default based on past financial transactions, or even to factor in career changes that are likely based on key demographics such as age, occupation, and physical address.
A similar range of applications could be used to deliver appropriate sentences. Based on data on demographics, criminal record and so on, judges could be assisted in handing down sentences more likely to help an individual to recover and learn a lesson within a penal system that is also more accurately understood.
No-nonsense numbers
In an industry defined by adherence to the letter of the law, the numerical foundation of analytics makes it a powerful proposition for lawyers, and those within the broader legal community.
Although the analytics awakening is still in its infancy, the fact that algorithms can assist with the grunt work of the law is indicative of a future where tools of this nature are common.
All that remains is to legislate and program the technology accordingly to ensure that justice does not get replaced with rigid legal frameworks that are lacking the ability to consider circumstance and mercy.
