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Michigan Creates Cybercourt

Posted by michael on from the justice-unplugged dept.

Boone^ writes: "Michigan's Governor John Engler today signed a bill that would create a virtual state court where lawyers could file briefs and make appearances by teleconference. The state Supreme Court will set the rules in the coming months, and District or circuit court judges will be assigned for 3-year terms. How soon until sufficient AI exists to automate the process, and mobile justice can be handed out Judge Dredd style?" We did a story about this when it was first proposed.

3 of 128 comments (clear)

  1. Re:However.... by CSieber · · Score: 5, Insightful

    However, maybe it shouldn't. A judge in these cases is supposed to be able to decide based on the facts alone. I regard the fact that body language and other "lawyerly tricks" can sway any decision as quite unfortunate. I think that if this can eliminate those things its a positive rather than a negative. Obviously real AI is a long long way off, and that is the only thing that could possible replace a human lawyer, much less a judge. Moral programming anyone? No thanks.

  2. Their site... by metatruk · · Score: 5, Informative

    Michigan Cybercourt has a website, which was not linked from the slashdot story.
    The page can be accessed at: here
    and for all of you copy 'n pasters: http://www.michigancybercourt.net/

  3. give it a rest... by truesaer · · Score: 5, Interesting
    no one is being tried for murder here. All regular rules of evidence, etc. will apply. This just makes it easier and cheaper for the legal process to function. Quote the article:

    The court won't have a jury and will handle only business disputes involving at least $25,000. Cases could be removed to the circuit court, and decisions could be appealed to the state Court of Appeals.


    In other words, it is for business litigation only, and if any party doesn't want to use the cyber court they can file a motion and move to a regular court.

    This seems similar to small claims court....special rules to make things easy in a narrow but common set of circumstances. And if one party isn't satisfied with the way the special court works, they can move to a regular court.