AI is revolutionizing the judiciary: Göttingen researchers present new findings!

AI is revolutionizing the judiciary: Göttingen researchers present new findings!

Researchers at the University of Göttingen are currently uncovering the potential of using artificial intelligence (AI) in civil court proceedings. As part of a comprehensive project carried out in cooperation with the Lower Saxony Ministry of Justice, the focus is on important topics such as the diesel scandal, passenger rights and contractual clauses from insurance companies and banks. The investigations aim to make mass proceedings more efficient and automate decision-making processes, a project that is becoming more relevant as digitalization in the judiciary continues.

A central concern of the researchers is to determine the legal, technical and organizational requirements for the use of AI. Loud University of Göttingen, factors such as the nature of the activity – whether administrative or content-related – the degree of automation and the complexity of the field of application are crucial for the implementation of AI in judicial decision-making.

Details about the project and the models

The research project, also known as MAKI, is intensively concerned with the development of an assistance system that is intended to relieve the burden on judges in mass proceedings. Prof. Dr. Philipp Reuß, co-editor of FamRZ, is significantly involved in the investigation.

As part of this project, two AI models will be tested: the first model aims to predict indicative features in files, while the second model independently identifies these features through pattern recognition. An important aspect of the research is also the analysis of legal and ethical questions, in particular the compatibility of the use of AI with civil procedural principles and judicial independence. The first project phase was presented at the University of Göttingen in mid-August 2025, with the results documented in a comprehensive report.

Legal framework and recommendations for action

The present studies show that constitutional, human rights and European law framework conditions do not fundamentally oppose the use of AI in judicial decision-making. However, legal adjustments may become necessary, especially with greater automation and complexity, which could entail stricter requirements for compliance with legal frameworks.

The project partners plan to develop recommendations for action based on the research results in order to further advance the integration of AI into the justice system. The final report includes a comprehensive analysis of the technical and legal requirements as well as the limitations and challenges associated with the use of AI. These important findings are crucial for shaping judicial decision-making in the future.

Further information is available in the project's final report, available online, and provides deeper insights into the legal framework and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in the justice system. You can also find information at FamRZ and the Bundestag, which has also published relevant materials on the topics of AI and law.