The Oireachtas Library & Research Service (L&RS) has published a new Spotlight on algorithms, big data and artificial intelligence in the Irish legal market.
The new paper examines the issues raised by the development of lawtech – software for legal services – which could reduce legal costs and improve access to justice, but could also worsen the digital divide and solidify existing biases in the legal system. It also highlights possible areas for immediate legislative intervention, and longer-term questions for Members of the Oireachtas to consider.
The paper was authored by Dr Rónán Kennedy during his time as researcher in residence with the L&RS between October 2020 and January 2021.
Dr Kennedy is one of six researchers seconded to the Houses of the L&RS as part of the SFI (Science Foundation Ireland) public fellowship programme.