On the integration of artificial intelligence in the Albanian judicial system

The Albanian judicial system today finds itself in a structural and functional crisis that extends beyond the well-known administrative delays. For many citizens, justice has become a denied concept, as civil and criminal cases drag on for years, decisions are delayed, and the backlog of unprocessed files reaches alarming levels.

This situation has created a profound loss of public trust, opening the way for political interference and widespread corruption, making justice not only delayed but often influenced and unfair.

For example, the Strategy for Reducing the Number of Pending Cases 2024–2027 (Alb), approved by the High Judicial Council, as well as the Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy 2024–2030 (Alb), have not yet produced visible effects, proving that the challenges go beyond technical issues and require systematic intervention.

In this complex context, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can serve as a transformative tool for improving the functioning of the judicial system.

The government and segments of the private sector have begun experimenting with digital technologies for managing data and administrative services, but the use of AI in critical institutions such as the judiciary and independent bodies remains at an early stage. This development shows a limited but potentially transformative understanding of how technology can enhance efficiency, transparency, and credibility.

Opportunities for integrating artificial intelligence in the judicial system

One of the most important and potentially transformative uses of Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary is the acceleration of case processing. In Albania, delays in handling civil and criminal cases are a chronic problem. The backlog of unprocessed files is large, and citizens often face waiting periods that last for years. This situation directly affects public trust and the effectiveness of the judiciary, making justice not only slow but often uncertain and influenced by external factors.

Integrating AI to automate administrative tasks could bring noticeable changes. For example, the management of court calendars, document preparation, and file analysis could free up valuable time for judges, allowing them to focus on substantive decisions. An international example is Kerala, India, where AI-managed cameras and intelligent file monitoring systems have increased court efficiency and reduced administrative errors. For Albania, such an implementation could be part of a broader reform addressing structural and institutional challenges, including the lack of qualified staff and political influences that often hinder the judiciary’s independent functioning.

Another key benefit relates to increasing transparency and reducing corruption, one of the deepest challenges of the Albanian judicial system. AI can be used to monitor judicial decisions, analyze case-handling patterns, and identify anomalies that may indicate external influence or unfair practices. A relevant example can be found in India, where AI systems analyze historical judgments to identify patterns of bias and uncertainty, helping the judiciary become more objective. In Albania, the digital assistant “Diella” in public procurement has demonstrated that technology can provide transparency and integrity, serving as a precedent for decision-making monitoring in the judiciary. However, for this to function effectively, implementation requires a clear legal and ethical framework, staff training, and secure data usage.

However, the use of AI is not without challenges. One of the main risks is reinforcing existing injustices, as systems rely on historical data that may contain the same biases found in past decisions. For example, in India, judicial prediction systems have reflected prior inequalities in rulings, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and algorithmic training.

Another challenge is the absence of a clear legal and ethical framework, which can allow unauthorized use and violations of citizens’ rights. An example from international practice shows that in some countries where AI has been used without clear regulations, citizens have received unfair decisions in minor civil disputes, creating legal and moral concerns.

The risk of manipulation and political influence also remains present. If systems are not accompanied by transparency, auditing, and monitoring mechanisms, AI could be used for political favors or special interest groups. One such example can be seen in cases where judicial algorithms in certain states have produced automated rulings that reflected the interests of powerful groups rather than neutral justice.

To minimize these risks, it is essential to have dedicated staff training, clear legal and ethical standards, and continuous performance monitoring of the systems, ensuring that AI is used as a tool for strengthening justice rather than reproducing existing inequities. Only in this way can technology contribute to a more efficient, transparent, and fair judicial system for all citizens.

Economic and Social Perspective

From an economic standpoint, AI can reduce the operational costs of courts, speed up rulings, and create a more favorable environment for businesses and investors. When civil and commercial cases are processed quickly and decisions are predictable, companies feel more secure, and economic losses from delayed or unfair judgments are significantly reduced.

Concrete examples include Tarrant County, Texas, where AI has reduced document processing times and freed up human resources, as well as the system in China, where handling small and administrative cases has lowered costs for both courts and citizens. For Albania, such an implementation would improve legal certainty, reduce economic losses, and attract direct foreign investment, stimulating economic growth.

From a social perspective, AI can simplify access to justice for citizens in remote areas, those with physical limitations, or low-income individuals by providing legal information, document assistance, and procedural guidance. This can reduce the urban-rural gap, increase trust in the system, and strengthen the rule of law.

The integration of AI offers a real opportunity for a more efficient, transparent, and fair judicial system, but success requires staff training, a clear legal and ethical framework, and strong monitoring and auditing mechanisms to ensure that technology is used in the service of citizens and justice.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence into the Albanian judicial system offers real possibilities to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to justice. It can free up time for judges, enhance case management, reduce unfair influences, and strengthen citizens’ trust.