The Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court is pleased to announce the success of their pilot system of AI-assisted justice, launched in June 2024 and recently reported on by Xinlang Toutiao, the news page of the Sina Weibo platform.
Kuang Xiaohua, the vice president of the court, is proud that each judge in Shenzhen handled an average of 744 cases in 2025, 249 more than the previous year. This increase in productivity means that the judges in Shenzhen are the most efficient in the Guangdong province.
The system, described as an “indefatigable digital assistant,” integrates various models and a knowledge base of legal information to enhance decision-making efficiency. By utilizing this system, judges have seen a significant improvement in productivity, prompting the Supreme People’s Court to consider national implementation.
However, concerns about impartiality still remain. While the use of AI tools is encouraged, the judges ultimately remain responsible for the final decision-making process. Questions about the ability of algorithms to preserve defendants’ rights and the independence of the judiciary in China persist.
Hao Yachao, a lawyer in Beijing, warns that while AI can be valuable, it should not overshadow the importance of impartiality and integrity in legal proceedings. The risk of a “mechanical” approach to justice in China, where the ruling party’s influence is significant, raises doubts about the true independence of the judicial system.
