The UK justice system faces a pivotal moment. Persistent court backlogs from Covid, prison pressures, rising demand and growing public expectations have pushed the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to rethink how digital and data can deliver real change. In line with this, in July 2025, the MoJ published its AI Action Plan, signalling a clear shift from experimentation to strategic adoption. The goal isn’t for technology to be used for its own sake, but for tangible, outcome‑driven reform. In fact, AI is positioned as a lever for fundamental transformation, automating low-value tasks, improving decision-making, and freeing human resources for higher-value work. The plan lays out a 3-year road map and invests in data infrastructure that can power future predictive interventions — potentially preventing backlogs, not just clearing them.
A system under pressure
It’s these backlogs that continue to challenge the system’s ability to deliver timely outcomes. According to the National Audit Office, who undertook an investigation of the Court backlog, the outstanding caseload at the end of 2023 stood at 67,284. Clearing criminal case delays could take years without structural change, and the ambitions shared in the past few years are now unachievable under current trends. Incremental process improvements are unlikely to deliver the outcomes needed. What’s needed is a new digital operating model that places AI at the centre of triage and workflow, but also ensures that critical decisions include human oversight, handing over all the relevant information when needed.
AI as an enabler, not a replacement
When embedded across the justice system, AI acts as a force multiplier that accelerates the flow of cases and information. AI, productivity tools and process automation can streamline evidence handling, automate document review, and improve scheduling, freeing skilled professionals to focus on high‑value tasks that require human judgement.
The MoJ’s AI Action Plan highlights use cases already in motion: digital transcription, document summarisation and predictive analytics. Embedding AI requires cultural readiness as much as technical capability. Staff need training, clear communication, and opportunities to shape how AI supports their work. When implemented well, AI removes low-value administrative load and gives professionals more time for the complex, human-centred tasks that define justice. The result is a more resilient workforce and a more responsive system — one capable not only of clearing today’s backlogs but preventing tomorrow’s.
AI can only deliver systemic impact if it rests on solid foundations: reliable data, interoperable systems, and a robust governance framework. Ethical governance — transparency, fairness, accountability, human oversight — are essential for public trust and legitimacy. With the right controls in place, AI becomes a safe accelerator of justice, supporting human decision-makers rather than substituting them.
Transformation succeeds when driven by outcomes, not tools. The goal is faster justice, improved access and fairer outcomes for all participants. Well-implemented AI can improve decision-making, accelerate case progression and support the workforce, all while safeguarding the principles at the heart of justice. To embark on this transformation journey, departments must invest in capability and change — upskilling teams, aligning data strategy, and embedding AI governance early. Partnership across agencies, suppliers and academia will be key to scaling safely and effectively.
No silver bullet
While AI offers a powerful opportunity to transform how the justice system manages demand, allocates resources, and clears backlogs, it’s not a silver bullet. At the same time, embedding AI is no longer a forward-looking aspiration but now represents the most significant opportunity in decades to reshape justice delivery and clear its backlog. The challenge — and responsibility — is to apply it wisely, ensuring that technology strengthens fairness and public confidence rather than undermines it.
Come and speak with us about how we’re applying AI to the justice system and supporting its digital transformation.