The UK government is advancing efforts to modernise the justice system through artificial intelligence, with a new study examining how AI-powered transcription could make court records faster, cheaper, and more accessible for victims and the public.

The research, led by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), will explore the use of AI to transcribe court hearings, potentially transforming access to court transcripts that are currently costly and time-consuming to obtain.

At present, victims often pay hundreds or even thousands of pounds to access official transcripts of court proceedings. The study aims to determine whether AI tools can significantly reduce these costs while maintaining the accuracy required for legal use.

The initiative is part of broader reforms led by the Ministry of Justice to improve transparency, efficiency, and fairness within the justice system.

Commenting on the development, Sarah Sackman KC MP emphasised the importance of accessibility for victims:

“Victims show immense courage in coming to court, delivering their testimonies and looking their perpetrators in the eye. That’s why it is only right they process what happened in their case in their own time and on their own terms. By deploying AI in the courtroom, we can boost transparency and access to justice, building a modernised system that victims can rely on.”

The study will specifically assess the capabilities of “Justice Transcribe,” an in-house AI tool developed by the Ministry of Justice, to meet required accuracy standards while reducing transcription time and costs.

Currently, transcripts for Crown Court proceedings are produced by external providers. If successful, AI integration could streamline this process and remove financial barriers that limit access to critical court information.

The move is expected to particularly benefit victims, for whom access to transcripts can provide clarity, reassurance, and support during the recovery process. It also aligns with broader legislative efforts, including the Victims and Courts Bill and the Courts and Tribunals Bill, aimed at strengthening the justice system.

In a related step, the government has announced that from Spring 2027, victims with cases in Crown Courts will be entitled to free transcripts of judges’ sentencing remarks upon request.

Advocates have welcomed the initiative. Charlotte Schreurs, founder of the Open Justice For All campaign, noted that improved access to transcripts is vital not only for victims’ healing but also for enhancing accountability and transparency within the courts.

The findings of the study will inform nationwide plans to digitise and modernise court processes, marking a significant step toward a more accessible and equitable justice system.