AI transforms courtrooms with avatars and virtual crime scenes

Courts across the U.S. are facing unprecedented challenges as artificial intelligence makes its way into legal proceedings, raising profound questions about evidence presentation, victim representation, and judicial fairness. A groundbreaking case in Phoenix recently demonstrated this evolution when an AI-generated video of a deceased victim was presented during sentencing, believed to be the first such use in American courts, prompting immediate legal appeals and highlighting the tension between technological innovation and established legal norms.

The big picture: Courts are increasingly confronting AI applications in legal proceedings, with a recent Arizona case featuring an AI-generated video of a deceased victim during sentencing.

• The video showed a likeness of Christopher Pelkey telling his shooter he was forgiven, presented during the victim impact statement portion of the sentencing.
• The judge responded positively to the video and imposed the maximum 10.5-year sentence for manslaughter, exceeding what prosecutors had requested.
• The defendant’s lawyer filed a notice of appeal within hours of the May 1 hearing, potentially challenging the admissibility of AI-generated evidence.

How AI is entering courtrooms: Beyond the AI-generated victim video, courts are seeing various forms of advanced technology influence proceedings.

• A Florida judge used virtual reality to view a crime scene from a defendant’s perspective in a stand-your-ground case.
• In New York, judges quickly identified when a man attempted to use an AI-generated avatar to argue a lawsuit.
• The Arizona Supreme Court has already established a committee specifically to research and recommend best practices for AI in legal settings.

Why this matters: The integration of AI in courtrooms raises fundamental questions about evidence integrity and equal justice.

• Experts warn that AI in legal proceedings could disproportionately impact marginalized communities who may have less access to or understanding of advanced technologies.
• The persuasive nature of visually compelling AI-generated content could potentially outweigh its factual reliability, creating new challenges for judges and juries.

What they’re saying: Pelkey’s sister emphasized their ethical approach to using AI in the courtroom.

• Stacey Wales stated they were careful not to misrepresent her brother’s beliefs when creating the AI-generated video.
• The judge openly expressed appreciation for the emotional impact of the video, calling it something he “loved” and “appreciated.”