Fine Anna, Berthelot Emily R, Marsh Shawn
Interdisciplinary Social Psychology Ph.D. Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
Behav Sci (Basel). 2025 Apr 6;15(4):476. doi: 10.3390/bs15040476.
This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial decision-making, focusing on bail and sentencing contexts. We examined public perceptions of judges who use AI tools compared to those who rely solely on expertise. Using an experimental design, participants (N = 1800; stratified by race/ethnicity and gender) were presented with vignettes depicting judges using varying levels of AI assistance. Key outcomes included perceptions of judicial legitimacy, procedural justice, and trust in AI, with analyses stratified by racial groups (Black, Hispanic, White). The results revealed that judges relying on expertise were generally rated higher in legitimacy than those using AI; however, significant racial differences emerged. Black participants showed greater trust and perceived fairness in AI-augmented decisions compared to White and Hispanic participants. Open-ended responses further highlighted social psychological themes regarding the symbolic meaning of AI in judicial processes. These findings underscore the complexity of integrating AI in the judiciary, emphasizing the need for transparent and equitable implementation strategies to maintain public trust and fairness. Future research should explore underlying factors influencing these perceptions to inform policies that address racial disparities and enhance trust in AI-assisted legal decision-making.
本研究考察了人工智能（AI）在司法决策中的作用，重点关注保释和量刑背景。我们比较了使用人工智能工具的法官与仅依靠专业知识的法官在公众认知方面的差异。采用实验设计，向参与者（N = 1800；按种族/族裔和性别分层）展示了描述法官使用不同程度人工智能协助的短文。关键结果包括对司法合法性、程序正义以及对人工智能的信任的认知，并按种族群体（黑人、西班牙裔、白人）进行分析。结果显示，仅依靠专业知识的法官在合法性方面的评分通常高于使用人工智能的法官；然而，出现了显著的种族差异。与白人和西班牙裔参与者相比，黑人参与者对人工智能辅助决策表现出更大的信任和感知公平性。开放式回答进一步突出了关于人工智能在司法程序中的象征意义的社会心理主题。这些发现强调了在司法系统中整合人工智能的复杂性，强调需要透明和公平的实施策略来维持公众信任和公平。未来的研究应探索影响这些认知的潜在因素，以为解决种族差异和增强对人工智能辅助法律决策的信任的政策提供参考。
