Saturday, August 11, 2018

Instant Justice

Computer intelligence (refuse to call it artificial) now possesses intuition. Using deep learning computer intelligence has defeated the world’s champion GO player. GO is an ancient game of strategy that has hundreds of millions of possible moves. It is commonly believed that a large part of champions victories centers on their use of intuition instead of strategy. The computer, Alpha GO, has learned over time how to destroy the world’s champions, and as such is believed to be employing intuition in its victories. Intuition is considered a ‘human’ quality vital in all kinds of human endeavor.

In the not too distant future computer intelligence will be used in criminal law. Imagine a ‘judge’ capable of attaining and processing all information in a criminal proceeding in seconds rather than weeks or months. A judge that collects and analyzes every piece of information available, not only the crime, but the defendant, the police, the victim(s) - instantly. Birth records to police and surveillance video, high school transcripts, to genomes. Capable of detecting lies, recognizing patterns of police and prosecutorial bias, criminal intent, and likelihood of recidivism. And in the process can apply an intuitive sense so vital in the delivery of justice.

Scary? Or true justice? No more awaiting trial in prison for months or even years for lack of money for bond. No more verdicts based on partial or false information, racial bias, or whether the judge has eaten recently.


But, a machine?