Amal Clooney and Philippa Webb, Co-Founders of the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, have published a joint opinion piece in TIME examining how artificial intelligence could help close the global justice gap. The article highlights the stark realities faced by millions worldwide who lack access to legal support, particularly women and journalists in under-resourced settings.
The authors describe how the Institute is developing AI-powered legal assistants, in partnership with organisations such as Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, the Women’s Lawyers’ Association of Malawi, and the Committee to Protect Journalists, to help people understand their rights and connect with free legal representation. At the same time, the piece warns of the rapid and often unregulated use of AI in courts around the world, raising serious concerns for due process and fair trial rights.
The article also outlines the Institute’s wider work on judicial AI governance, cyber accountability, and global standards, underscoring the need to ensure that AI strengthens — rather than undermines — justice systems in the digital age.