Professor Peter Watson Addresses the Role of AI in the Justice System at the King’s Forensics Conference

Professor Peter Watson, Solicitor Advocate of PBW Law and President of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences (BAFS), delivered a thought-provoking keynote at the prestigious King’s Forensics conference, co-hosted by BAFS, Inside Justice, and the King's Institute for Artificial Intelligence. The event brought together experts from diverse disciplines to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping the justice system.

As President of BAFS, Professor Watson opened the conference by underscoring the immense responsibility and opportunity that AI presents to the legal field. His address highlighted the critical intersection between technology and justice, acknowledging that AI holds the potential to address long-standing challenges within the system, from alleviating court backlogs to advancing forensic science.

Professor Watson said: “The promise of AI in the justice system is vast. It offers powerful tools to tackle persistent issues, such as overburdened courts and complex forensic analyses. AI has the capacity to reduce delays, enhance efficiency, and improve the analysis of evidence—ultimately fostering fairer and more consistent outcomes for all who come before the law.”

However, he also addressed the ethical concerns surrounding AI’s integration into the legal system, emphasising the need for caution, transparency, and accountability. Drawing from history, he cautioned against a Luddite-like resistance to progress, urging attendees to embrace AI’s potential while ensuring its deployment upholds fairness, justice, and human dignity.

Professor Watson drew a compelling parallel to Plato’s philosophical views on justice, emphasising balance and harmony. He posited that AI could contribute to a more just and equitable legal system, but only if it supported the integrity of the system, rather than undermining it.

Professor Watson said: “Plato’s vision of justice was one of harmony, not disruption. We must ensure that AI enhances the balance within our justice system, rather than creating new imbalances or eroding its fundamental principles.”

Throughout his speech, Professor Watson explored AI’s diverse applications within the justice system, from judiciary decision-making to policing, legal practice, and forensic science. While emphasising AI’s positive potential to improve fairness and efficiency, he stressed the importance of ethical oversight to mitigate risks such as bias and data breaches.

Professor Watson said: “AI has the power to revolutionise legal work—from research to case preparation—but it’s crucial that legal professionals remain vigilant,” he explained. “Likewise, AI-driven policing and forensic science must be transparent and rigorously validated to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.”

Professor Watson also addressed AI’s potential in law enforcement, highlighting how predictive analytics could reduce crime and enhance public safety. However, he reiterated that these advancements must not erode public trust, which depends on transparency and accountability.

The conference served as a vital forum for collaboration, with experts and stakeholders engaging in critical discussions about how AI can be leveraged to strengthen the justice system for future generations. Speakers included Lord Clement Jones CBE, Co-Chair of House of Lords Select Committee on AI, Tom Conti, Actor and Trustee of Inside Justice, Tracy Alexander FKC, Director of Forensic Services at City of London Police, and more.

In closing, Professor Watson reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to the rule of law, emphasising the importance of ensuring that technological advancements serve to make the justice system more accessible, transparent, and just.

Professor Watson added: “We must ensure that AI—and technology in general—is used to make the justice system more efficient, accessible, and fair. Together, we can build a justice system that is worthy of public trust and confidence.”