The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has brought together experts and practitioners to develop comprehensive guidance on AI Readiness for the state courts. The project, funded by SJI, aims to provide resources for courts along the whole spectrum of AI maturity, from courts that are just beginning to think about AI to courts that have already implemented AI projects.

The AI Readiness Workgroup includes court leaders, court practitioners on the cutting edge of AI implementation, and experts in court technology, psychology, computer science, design, and law. In a 2-day kickoff gathering in Chicago, pictured below, the workgroup heard presentations from subject-matter experts, engaged in brainstorming and problem-solving activities, reviewed existing guidance on AI for courts, and viewed demonstrations from courts that have already implemented ambitious AI projects.

The Workgroup is currently hard at work drafting a variety of resources for courts that are just beginning their AI journeys. Topics include establishing the court’s AI governance structure, building AI literacy in the court workforce, assessing data governance practices for AI readiness, identifying AI opportunities, and updating policies. Once these resources are developed, the Workgroup will tackle resources for courts that are already at various stages of AI development, including topics like vetting technology vendors, implementing change management, and evaluating AI outcomes.

The project is scheduled to conclude in Summer 2025, but interim deliverables will be published as they become available, beginning in the Spring.

This project builds on the foundations of earlier work by NCSC and other organizations, including COSCA and NACM. For more information, see the AI Rapid Response Team Resource Center.