Artificial Intelligence in the Process of Applying Legal Norms: Pros and Cons

The paper is devoted to the topic of practical application of the potential capabilities of artificial intelligence in jurisprudence, in particular in the process of applying legal norms by public authorities. The analysis focuses on cases when there is a need for norm application, as well as on the stages of the law-application process. By disclosing the content of this process, the expediency of using the capabilities of artificial intelligence is examined. A general hypothesis is argued regarding the expediency of applying artificial intelligence only at certain stages of the law-application process. This conclusion is based on a comparison of the known capabilities of artificial intelligence with the tasks performed by any lawapplier. For example, in the course of collecting and analyzing factual data in a case, or in selecting a legal norm and making a decision. The conclusion is substantiated that the capabilities of artificial intelligence are not identical to the cognitive abilities of a human being. This drawback becomes an obstacle in solving complex cases, where, in addition to rational modes of thinking, purely human skills are required. Above all, these include the sense of justice, intuition, concern for the fate of an individual, and so forth. Problems may also arise in cases requiring the filling of gaps in normative regulation, the construction of law, or the perception of a legal norm in accordance with the space and time of its application. However, it is concluded that the use of artificial intelligence in adopting law-application decisions is possible in certain uncomplicated cases. Likewise, artificial intelligence may be useful for the evaluation of factual circumstances and the search for relevant norms, precedents, and the like in various law-application processes, including judicial ones. At the same time, a potential danger is noted in the direct use of artificial intelligence for making decisions in court cases. It is concluded that there is a necessity to search for criteria by which categories of cases may be identified where decisions could reasonably be made with the help of artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, a human must always be informed of who makes the decision and must have the possibility to appeal it.