Data bias, intelligent systems and criminal justice outcomes

Abstract The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is gaining prominence in the whole gamut of the criminal justice system spanning the processes of crime identification, arrests, prosecution, sentencing and punishment. While the benefits of this are certain, so also are the demerits, especially as manifested in the data bias problem. This article focuses on the nature and impact of data bias in the development and deployment of AI on criminal justice outcomes. The justice outcomes are expressed in terms of injustice created through potential and actual breaches of human rights standards when artificial intelligence systems (AIS) are employed for criminal justice purposes. This ­article advocates a multifaceted approach involving legal, regulatory, trainings and ethical responses in combatting the data bias problem.