Using Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Case Backlogs in UK Crown Courts

利用人工智慧減少英國刑事法院的積案

Jun 9, 2026, 10:17
UKTechnology

Introduction

The UK government has announced the use of AI-powered legal assistants and administrative tools to solve the problem of long delays in the Crown Courts.

英國政府宣布將使用人工智慧（AI）法律助手與行政工具，以解決刑事法院長期延遲的問題。

Main Body

This initiative was caused by a serious increase in the Crown Court backlog, which reached over 80,000 cases earlier this year. This is more than double the 38,108 cases recorded in 2019. Some trials are not scheduled to be heard until 2028, and a few may not happen until 2030. To fix this, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is introducing AI assistants to help with case research and analysis. Additionally, judges will use new tools to identify cases that are ready for trial. The 'Justice Transcribe' tool has also been given to probation officers to automate notes, which is expected to save 18,750 working days per year. Similar systems are now being tested in immigration and asylum courts.

這項計畫是由於刑事法院積案嚴重增加所致，今年年初的積案數已超過 8 萬件。這比 2019 年記錄的 38,108 件多出一倍以上。部分審判甚至被排定到 2028 年才開庭，少數案件甚至可能要等到 2030 年。為了修正此問題，司法部 (MoJ) 正在引入 AI 助手以協助案件研究與分析。此外，法官將使用新工具來識別已準備好審判的案件。「Justice Transcribe」工具也已提供給緩刑監督員以自動化筆記，預計每年可節省 18,750 個工作日。類似的系統目前正於移民與庇護法院進行測試。

However, legal experts are cautious about these changes. Ian Jeffery from the Law Society emphasized that these tools must be transparent to be effective. He also asserted that technology should not replace the need for more funding and staff. Similarly, Andrew Thomas KC of the Criminal Bar Association noted that while AI can handle routine tasks, it does not have the emotional intelligence needed to evaluate complex criminal evidence. These worries are based on a real example where Microsoft Copilot created a false police report. Consequently, the government has ordered that all AI tools must be tested in controlled environments under strict ethical rules before they are fully used.

然而，法律專家對這些變革持謹慎態度。律師協會的 Ian Jeffery 強調，這些工具必須透明化才能發揮效用。他同時主張，技術不應取代對更多資金與人力需求的必要性。同樣地，刑事大律師協會的 Andrew Thomas KC 指出，雖然 AI 可以處理例行任務，但它缺乏評估複雜刑事證據所需的情感智能。這些擔憂源於一個真實案例，即 Microsoft Copilot 曾生成一份虛假的警察報告。因此，政府已下令所有 AI 工具在全面啟用前，必須在受控環境中根據嚴格的倫理規範進行測試。

Conclusion

The UK government is testing AI tools to improve court efficiency during a time of record-high case numbers, while legal professionals call for strict supervision.

英國政府在案件數量創新高的時期，正測試 AI 工具以提高法院效率，而法律專業人士則呼籲應進行嚴格監督。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 From 'Basic' to 'Precise': Mastering Academic Verbs

At the A2 level, students rely on simple verbs like say, think, or do. To bridge the gap to B2, you must replace these 'general' words with 'precise' verbs. Look at how this article moves away from basic language to sound more professional.

🔍 The 'Say' Upgrade

In the text, the author doesn't just say that people "said something." Instead, they use Reporting Verbs to show the intention of the speaker:

  • Emphasized →\rightarrow Used when someone wants to make a point very strong. ("Ian Jeffery emphasized that...")
  • Asserted →\rightarrow Used when someone states something with confidence and authority. ("He also asserted that...")
  • Noted →\rightarrow Used to mention a specific fact or observation. ("Andrew Thomas KC noted that...")

B2 Tip: Stop using "He said that..." every time. Choose a verb that describes how the person is speaking.

⚙️ The 'Make/Do' Shift

B2 English uses specific verbs to describe processes. Notice these pairings in the article:

  1. Handle tasks (Not do tasks) →\rightarrow To manage or deal with a responsibility.
  2. Evaluate evidence (Not look at evidence) →\rightarrow To judge the value or truth of something carefully.
  3. Automate notes (Not make notes fast) →\rightarrow To make a process happen automatically via a machine.

⚖️ Logic Connectors (The Glue)

To move past A2, you need to connect your ideas using more than just and, but, or because. The article uses these 'power connectors' to create a flow:

  • Consequently →\rightarrow (Result) "The AI made a mistake; consequently, the government ordered tests."
  • Additionally →\rightarrow (Adding info) "AI helps research; additionally, judges will use new tools."
  • Similarly →\rightarrow (Comparing) "Ian is cautious; similarly, Andrew Thomas has worries."

Vocabulary Learning

initiative (n.)
A new plan or strategy intended to solve a particular problem.
Example:The government's new initiative aims to reduce plastic waste in the ocean.
automate (v.)
To make a process be controlled by a machine rather than a person.
Example:The company decided to automate its payroll system to reduce human error.
cautious (adj.)
Avoiding unnecessary risks; careful.
Example:Investors are remaining cautious due to the current volatility of the stock market.
transparent (adj.)
Open, honest, and without secrets, especially regarding how decisions are made.
Example:The public is demanding more transparent communication from the city council.
asserted (v.)
Stated a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserted that her client was innocent based on the available evidence.
evaluate (v.)
To judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something.
Example:The committee will evaluate the success of the program at the end of the year.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:He failed to attend the mandatory training; consequently, he was not promoted.
supervision (n.)
The act of watching over a person or activity to ensure everything is done correctly.
Example:The interns are required to work under the close supervision of a senior manager.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→