Arizona Supreme Court Embraces AI Avatars to Bridge Gap with Public
PHOENIX (AP) — In a move that could reshape how courts communicate with the public, Arizona’s highest court has introduced AI-generated avatars to disseminate information about its rulings.
This innovative approach, believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S., features digital avatars named Victoria and Daniel who will serve as the faces of court news, aiming to provide information more quickly and in a more accessible format.
The Arizona Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Ann Timmer stated her vision to promote public trust and confidence in the judicial system prompted this initiative. “We serve the public better by saying, OK, we’ve issued this decision,” she explained, “Now, let us help you understand what it is.”
A Response to Public Feedback
The decision to enhance public outreach comes after events highlighted the need for better communication. After a controversial ruling regarding a Civil War-era abortion law, protests ensued, showing the need for clearer explanations of court decisions. Chief Justice Timmer acknowledged that the court could have approached the dissemination of information differently. She mentioned a need for a news release and avatar videos to help the public comprehend the information. The goal is for the public to understand the basis of the court’s decisions, leading to informed discussions.
How the Avatars Work
Created using the program Creatify, Victoria and Daniel bring the court’s news releases to life. Videos featuring the avatars will be posted to announce rulings. The court plans to use the avatars for outreach programs in the future. Court spokesperson Alberto Rodriguez said that the AI-generated avatars are far more efficient, taking around 30 minutes to produce compared to the hours it takes to make a traditional video release.
The judge who authors the legal opinion also drafts a news release, which the entire bench must approve. Then, the communications team works with the justice to create a script for the avatars. Court officials emphasize that Daniel and Victoria are AI creations, with the court including disclaimers to clarify their origins. The court is exploring different emotional deliveries, cadences, pronunciations, and even Spanish translations, according to Rodriguez.
Potential Impact and Considerations
While the concept is ambitious, experts like Mason Kortz from Harvard Law School’s Cyberlaw Clinic have provided feedback. Kortz emphasizes the need for clear disclaimers to prevent viewers from mistaking the avatars for real reporters. Asheley Landrum, an associate professor at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, raised concerns about the “robotic” feel of the avatars and suggested that the format could be improved with a more engaging storytelling approach to resonate better with audiences.
Despite these considerations, the Arizona Supreme Court’s venture into AI represents a significant step towards improving transparency and making the judicial system more accessible to the public. The court hopes that, over time, the AI reporters will increase public trust and effectively improve the understanding of judicial decisions.
