Review by Choice Review
Every day, AI enhances civilization pervasively, for example, through image and speech recognition and document generation. AI can also provide cause-and-effect analyses of complex issues producing a coherent conclusion, and given this capability, AI also now factors as a tool in criminal justice applications. Primarily these have been used in risk analysis and assessment of the convicted for possible recidivism, or likelihood of reoffending. But Ryberg (Roskilde Univ., Denmark) and Roberts (Univ. of Oxford) have edited this brilliant volume to focus on something else: the utility of AI in judicial sentencing. Seventeen scholars parse this topic over 13 chapters with nary a boring repetition. Commendably, most contributors have read others' chapters. Examples of topics explored include: minimizing bias through AI transparency; the risks inherent in AI in the context of plea bargaining; and understanding human and machine-based decision-making weaknesses. This specialist volume provides timely, readable, and authoritative contributions on a contemporary issue spanning ethics and justice. One conclusion: HAL will never replace Judge Judy. AI, as is generally known, may deliver built-in-biased results that harm minority populations. However, even now--and likely to be more so in the future--AI tools can improve judicial reasoning by providing the judge with insight that is certain to be beyond the normal judicial analytical process. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. --Robert D. McCrie, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
