AI in the Courtroom: Colombian Constitutional Court’s Landmark Ruling Cites UNESCO’s AI Tools

The court directed the Consejo Superior de la Judicatura, Colombia’s judiciary governing body, to create training spaces that promote learning about AI in the judicial context, along with its risks and benefits, all with a rights-based perspective. Further, the court has directed the Consejo Superior de la Judicatura to publish comprehensive guidelines for AI use within the next four months. These guidelines should align with national and international best practices, ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI while respecting human rights. 

UNESCO is actively involved in fostering responsible AI use in the judiciary. It has developed draft Guidelines on the Use of AI in Courts and Tribunals, currently open for public consultation. These guidelines aim to create robust AI governance frameworks that respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, inviting contributions from judiciary actors, legal professionals, academics, and the public.

This ruling by the Colombian Constitutional Court marks a significant step in integrating AI into judicial processes while safeguarding fundamental human rights and judicial integrity.

UNESCO will continue support the judiciary in Latin America with trainings for judges at the regional and national level. The next training will be held in Paraguay in partnership with the Supreme Court of Justice.