The Law Society of England and Wales has a strong interest in the impact of technology and data use on human rights. To help us understand this very broad issue, we will be examining one specific aspect: the use of algorithms in the justice system.

The Law Society’s Public Policy Technology and Law Commission will examine the use of algorithms in the justice system in England and Wales and what controls, if any, are needed to protect human rights and trust in the justice system.

The commissioners will be taking evidence from a range of experts (tech, government, commercial and human rights) on whether algorithms and their use within the justice system should be regulated, and if so, how.

The Commission will maintain an England and Wales focus, but take appropriate account of international developments.

It will engage openly with interested parties, providing opportunities to submit evidence and proposals and to set out views relevant to its work, including academics, tech specialists, government, civil liberty organisations and solicitors, in order to build consensus in support of its approach and recommendations.

In parallel, the Law Society’s Policy team will be conducting a series of one-to-one interviews with key stakeholders to gather qualitative data that will inform the final report.

Read the full report HERE.