Home - IVR 2024
Judicial and non-judicial legal procedures in information society
Convenors
Katarzyna Hanas (University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska in Lublin, Poland) katarzyna.hanas@mail.umcs.pl
Paweł Kłos (University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska in Lublin, Poland) klosumcs@gmail.com
Piotr Szczekocki (University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska in Lublin, Poland) piotr.szczekocki@mail.umcs.pl
It is difficult to define the concept of information society, but we all intuitively know what it is. It is now clearly visible that at the beginning of the third millennium we are in a rapidly evolving information society facing new challenges emerging every now and then, such as climate change, artificial intelligence or migration. This aspect constitutes a new direction in the perception of the tasks law is supposed to fulfil in its substantive, procedural and axiological dimensions. A fundamental role in shaping and preserving social order is played by the judiciary, with the notable role of judicial application of law and alternative methods of dispute resolution.

Comprehension, in the context of legal interpretation and decision-making by lawapplying entities, becomes a fundamental research and philosophical issue. The growing problem is the use of artificial intelligence for law comprehension, including in the judicial interpretation of the law. We already find examples of the use of artificial intelligence in judicial work (Estonia, China, UK), and due to its fast-paced development it has been addressed by the EU (proposal for a Regulation: Artificial Intelligence Act). Although we are still at the stage of weak rather than strong AI, does not forbid judges to use generative AI, built on Large Language Models, what in the sentencing process may be questionable (see AI - Judicial Guidance, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, England and Wales, December 12, 2023).

The significance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) measures is increasing, not only in the context of their use as legal institutions in the common law or positive law systems, but mainly due to their educational function and the acquisition of competences that may be relevant for solving other legal problems, e.g. in medical, economic or labour matters. It is the point where the expansion of artificial intelligence can also be noted, although, for the time being, to a narrower extent than in the process of law application.

The complex information flow system gives direction to the changes taking place in modern societies. Thus, the role of law, in the context of education, stabilisation, prevention and control, is both more important and difficult today. Please be invited to contribute to the discussion.