Nebraska leads national effort to amend DOJ guidelines on AI in court interpretation

In a pivotal discussion during the Nebraska Legislature's Appropriations Committee meeting on March 19, 2025, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in court systems emerged as a significant topic. The conversation highlighted the current restrictions imposed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the use of electronic devices in legal proceedings, particularly emphasizing that AI cannot yet be utilized in court settings.

A key speaker noted that while phone interpretation is permissible, the integration of AI remains off-limits until it meets proficiency standards set by the DOJ. This decision stems from concerns about the reliability of AI in critical legal contexts. The speaker, involved with the National Center for State Courts and the Conference of State Court Administrators, indicated ongoing efforts to engage with the DOJ to potentially revise these guidelines in the future.

The discussion underscored the importance of ensuring that AI is not used in serious cases, such as evidentiary trials, where the stakes are high and the need for accuracy is paramount. Instead, there may be opportunities for AI application in less critical hearings, where the implications of errors are not as severe.

As the committee moved forward, they treated the bill related to this topic as a proponent of the budget request, signaling a commitment to exploring the future role of technology in the judicial system while prioritizing the integrity of legal proceedings. The outcome of these discussions could shape the landscape of court operations in Nebraska and beyond, as the integration of AI continues to evolve.