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The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into legal adjudication promises to reshape the judicial landscape, like a steady breeze cutting through a fog of human biases and external influences. In high-profile cases like that of former President Donald Trump, we find ourselves wondering if AI could bring clearer and more equitable justice.
An AI system, driven solely by data and devoid of emotional sway, could slice through the murky waters of leniency often granted based on social or political status.
In Trump's cases, human judges may unwittingly or wittingly extend certain privileges, swayed by his prominence and the weighty implications of imposing harsh penalties. This sets up a two-track justice system: one path is rough and unforgiving for the poor and marginalized; the other is smoother and more lenient for the privileged.
However, AI, which aims to enforce legal standards consistently, can reveal an alternative path where decisions are based on evidence and facts, independent of reputation or influence.
However, this level of uniformity isn't without consequences. AI can fail to grasp the nuances of individual circumstances, making human oversight essential to ensure justice is fairly and ethically administered. In this piece, we are going to take a look at how striking a balance between the impartiality AI promises and the empathy that human judgment embodies is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our judicial system.
Let's get our gavels out!
Justice One Algorithm at a Time
In recent years, AI has become a transformative tool in the legal sector, particularly in predictive justice, where machine learning (ML) algorithms analyze legal disputes probabilistically using case law precedents. By processing vast databases of past judicial decisions, AI can predict the outcomes of specific disputes.
This approach is revolutionizing legal decision-making by providing a more efficient, nuanced process that saves time for legal professionals while offering deeper insights into complex legal issues.
A notable example of AI's influence is the case of State v. Loomis in the United States, where a predictive ML tool was used during sentencing. Mr. Loomis faced several charges, including driving in a drive-by shooting, receiving stolen goods, and resisting arrest. The ML tool predicted a high probability of re-offense, which influenced the judge's decision to impose a custodial sentence.
Despite controversy around the use of AI in sentencing, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin upheld the tool's legitimacy, emphasizing that it supplemented the judge's evaluation rather than replacing their role.
Integrating AI into legal decision-making has shown significant promise in efficiency and effectiveness. AI systems can process and analyze vast quantities of legal data, enabling legal professionals to make quicker, more informed decisions. This efficiency saves time while improving the quality of analysis by offering comprehensive insights into legal precedents.
However, despite its advantages, concerns persist regarding potential bias, transparency issues, and the impact on judicial independence and impartiality.
Pitfalls of AI in the Courtroom
One of the main concerns with using AI in legal adjudication is the risk of bias in AI algorithms. Because these systems rely on historical data to make predictions, they can produce discriminatory outcomes if that data is biased. For instance, AI algorithms trained on biased datasets might inadvertently reinforce stereotypes or discriminate against particular groups, compromising the fairness and impartiality of legal decisions.
Another challenge involves ensuring transparency and accountability in AI-assisted decisions. The complexity of AI algorithms makes them difficult to interpret, posing challenges for legal professionals and the public to understand how decisions are made. This lack of transparency can erode trust in the legal system and raise questions about accountability. Addit

HCS, a leading IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services company, has announced the results of new research that explores office workers' attitudes to, and experiences of, cybersecurity at work. The study found that in the past 12 months, more than half (51%) of office workers in Ireland have clicked on a link or attachment within a suspicious email sent to their work email address.
The research of 503 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of HCS, with the support of Fortinet, global leader driving the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. It found that 50% of those who admitted to clicking on a link and/or attachment in a suspicious email also claimed to be confident that they can identify phishing emails when they receive them.
Of those who opened a suspicious link or attachment, 61% reported it to the proper authority in their workplace immediately, while 34% reported it within the same day, but not immediately.
As employees can often be the first point of attack for cyber criminals targeting businesses, those surveyed were asked how they determine whether a communication received on a work-related device is legitimate. The survey found that 65% check whether it has come from a caller or sender that they recognise, 53% check whether the caller or sender is asking for private or sensitive information, and half look for grammar or spelling errors.
A quarter (25%) contact the caller or sender via another form of communication to confirm their identity.
As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, 67% of those surveyed say they are aware of their company having a plan or protocol in the event of a successful cyberattack. Despite this, just 41% of office workers said their employer has provided formal cybersecurity awareness training in the past year. Of those who haven't received any cybersecurity training in this timeframe, 79% said that their previous training is not sufficient to keep pace with modern cyber threats.
When asked what they perceive to be the biggest cyber threats to their business in 2024, Irish-based office workers named human error (49%), malware (49%) and social engineering such as phishing (43%). Some 42% say phishing attempts are becoming more convincing.
Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS, said: "This research serves to highlight some of the real-world cybersecurity risks facing businesses. Employees are often the weakest link in an organisation's chain of cyber defences, so it's concerning to see that a large number of the employees who were deceived by a suspicious email also believe that they are alert to cybersecurity threats.
"Evidently, the training that employees are receiving - if any - may not be enough. The survey underscores the need for regular cybersecurity awareness training within organisations. The reality is that - particularly now, given the speed of advancement in AI - what could have sufficed 12 months ago may now be outdated. Complacency in this area could prove to be the biggest threat to businesses.
"Our research also shows that it's not enough to just have a strategy in place in the event of a cyberattack. Any strategy needs to be tried and tested across the business and continually updated as cyberattacks continue to become more advanced. At HCS, we see first-hand the daily challenges posed to customers by cyber criminals attempting to exploit vulnerabilities.
We ensure that security is at the core of everything that we do for our customers, minimising risk and enabling better business performance."
Paul Donegan, Country Manager Ireland, Fortinet added: "These findings underscore the need for continuous improvement within organisations. In a cyber landscape that's becoming ever more complex, businesses must make cybersecurity a key priority and they must equip their employees with the tools to do the same.
That's why through the Fortinet Training Institute we are committed to supporting compa

At ServiceNow's annual customer and partner event, Knowledge 2024, ServiceNow(NYSE: NOW), the AI platform for business transformation, unveiled new AI?powered capabilities to help improve employee experiences, supercharge talent development, and optimise in?person work. Enhancements to ServiceNow's Talent Development solution, formerly named Employee Growth and Development, infuse AI into the learning experience to understand skills, support internal mobility, and enhance mentoring.
In addition, new Workplace Service Delivery capabilities spur in?person employee collaboration while supporting smarter workplace utilisation decisions with data and insights.
According to new research from ServiceNow and Pearson, AI and emerging technologies will help fuel job creation, as well as demand for skilled IT workers. The new capabilities introduced by ServiceNow put AI to work for companies that want to advance their talent strategies while improving employee experiences.
"To win as a business, leaders know they must commit to the development, growth, and well?being of their people," said Jacqui Canney, chief people officer at ServiceNow.
"Giving employees the tools to develop high?demand skills will unlock greater career advancement opportunities, while driving stronger innovation and long?term business success. The power of AI not only helps employees learn and grow with personalised experiences, but it also allows them to focus on work that is fundamentally human. And AI?powered solutions give leaders and organisations actionable insights to propel the business and develop their people."
ServiceNow introduces new capabilities in Talent Development for personalised growth and career advancement
Talent Development already uses AI and skills intelligence to help identify skill gaps and recommend relevant trainings and growth opportunities for employees. The updates announced expand those AI capabilities to understand skills, support internal mobility, and enhance mentoring for a full suite of solutions:
Skills in Manager Hub. Talent Development is integrated into Manager Hub, giving managers a comprehensive view of team skills directly in the tools they're already using. It curates key insights, so managers can understand team strengths, identify skills gaps, and assess how employee skills align with jobs and work. Managers can also review skills proficiencies and activities related to skills development.
These insights help managers close skills gaps, assign work to the right team members based on their strengths, hire for relevant skills, and recommend trainings that support team development.
Opportunity Marketplace uses AI algorithms to match employees with internal jobs that are aligned with their skills, aspirations, and preferences, promoting employee engagement and retention while helping to save time and effort when searching internal recruiting platforms. Employees can search by specific job type and location. Opportunity Marketplace prompts employees to explore high?priority roles, helping to fill those jobs more quickly.
Mentoring suggests mentors based on employees' skills, preferences, and expertise. Employees can easily find mentors and add mentorship activities to growth plans. Easy?to?use scheduling tools also facilitate continuous engagement between mentors and mentees.
Now Assist for HR Service Delivery meets the employee or manager where they are in chat, mobile, search, and other channels, and uses generative AI (GenAI) to answer and act on questions related to talent development. For example, an employee can ask the Virtual Agent what career development opportunities are available to them and receive a real?time, conversational answer with a prompt to take action.
Additionally, Gen?AI powered search provides, direct, personalised, and contextual responses to talent development, workplace, and HR questions, improving employee self?service, and helping drive down organisational costs.
Workplace Service Delivery upd

The eleven start-ups selected to participate in University College Dublin's (UCD) new AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme have been announced. The focus of this new accelerator programme is to support entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive AI (artificial intelligence) solutions for a global market.
The participating start-ups are; ALPACA, Customs Window, Durotimi AI, Frontier AI, GoMappED, KnowCarbon, La Casa Care, SonnyLabs.ai, Tashka Technology Solutions, VoxMed.AI and wrksense.
The 6-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme, beginning today, will be delivered by NovaUCD, the hub of innovation and start-up activities at UCD, in partnership with CeADAR, Ireland's National Centre for Applied AI.
The programme is funded through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) framework, a Europe-wide initiative with funding of €700 million from both the European Commission and the Governments of member states. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, is leading on the EDIH programme for Ireland and CeADAR has been designated as the European Digital Innovation Hub for AI in Ireland.
Speaking at NovaUCD, Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, said, "I am delighted to be at University College Dublin for the launch of the inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme.
Meeting with the entrepreneurs taking part in this exciting programme I am pleased to see that in keeping with 'AI- Here For Good', the Government's national AI strategy, the participating start-ups are focused on using AI to benefit citizens and the way we live and work.
The dedicated supports and mentoring which will now be provided by NovaUCD and CeADAR during the coming months will help the start-ups to accelerate their growth and development in Ireland, and also on the international stage, and I wish them every success.
I am delighted that the funding for this important accelerator programme has been received via European Digital Innovation Hubs as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, is leading on the EDIH programme for Ireland."
Targeted supports for the 11 participating start-ups over the next 6-months include a dedicated commercial mentor and workshops on value proposition, route to market, sales strategies, and securing investment. Participants will have access to co-working space at NovaUCD and access to the NovaUCD community of founders, investors, business partners and student interns.
They will also have access to CeADAR's EDIH for AI services which include AI technologies, and research expertise with technical mentorship.
Professor Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact said, "The Government's ambition is that Ireland becomes a leading country in using AI for the benefit of people.
Through this new AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme starting today UCD is supporting a dynamic cohort of Irish start-ups and entrepreneurs who are focused on using AI technologies to deliver a range of disruptive products and services, for the benefit of society, not only here in Ireland, but on a global stage."
She added, "There was a great demand from start-ups across Ireland to take part in the programme which will be delivered by NovaUCD and CeADAR, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 11 selected start-ups. I am looking forward to attending the showcase event at the end of the programme to learn more about how the participants have accelerated their start-ups to the next level and to find out more about their global ambitions."
Emma Callinan, Director of Commercialisation, Enterprise Ireland, said, "The AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme will provide entrepreneurs across sectors including Healthcare, Cybersecurity, Education, and Sustainability with the opportunity to advance their AI start-ups through a range of targeted technical and commercial supports.
Enterprise Ireland is d

By Tara Gale, Client Solutions Lead, Dell Technologies Ireland
The world of work has evolved significantly in our digital age. New technologies have enabled greater connectivity and collaboration between employees whether coming together in-person or working remotely.
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) may have the most profound impact yet on the workplace as we know it. AI is a once-in-a-generation technology that provides significant potential to create more agile, flexible, and efficient workplaces in the future.
From enhancing productivity to fostering collaboration and enhancing the security of digital infrastructure, developing a modern workplace with new AI experiences will enhance the user experience today and set organisations up for success in the future.
An AI-enabled workforce
Most businesses in Ireland already recognise the importance of embracing AI in preparing their organisation for the future. Research by IBEC reveals that nearly two in three Irish businesses believe that AI has the potential to enhance productivity and work conditions.
The race to prepare for an AI-enabled future is already well underway across many industries, with substantial investment in AI-related infrastructure. According to the IDC, total global investment in AI is expected to increase to $301.43 billion by 2026.
The potential impact of the technology is significant and wide-ranging across many industries and applications. AI is key to unlocking value within data and thus is becoming one of the most important tools for businesses of all sizes.
Among the workforce, AI has the capacity to automate many routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic and value-added productivity. When you automate intelligently, team members can spend less time on repetitive, routine tasks and more on innovation, creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
For example, the use of generative AI (GenAI) tools to create written content or images from prompts can speed up the completion of time-intensive tasks like writing reports creating presentations and proposals, or emails. In the advertising industry, these tools are already being used to quickly develop high-quality assets that may only need minor editing from human designers before being rolled out in campaigns.
AI tools can also be used to enhance collaboration and communication across the workforce. For instance, AI-powered notetaking tools that transcribe and analyse meeting content can be used to ensure better understanding and information sharing across teams saving time on mundane tasks.
The Role of AI powered workstations
As organisations look to advance their AI capabilities, AI-powered workstations are set to be a crucial pillar in ensuring their workforce can harness the power of the technology at scale. The development and deployment of AI technologies on workstations offers significant strategic and operational benefits for businesses from greater flexibility to scaling and simplified implementation.
As the use of AI tools in the workplace rapidly grows and AI models increase in size and complexity, AI workstations can provide a highly scalable infrastructure solution that meets the evolving needs of organisations. Recently launched, Dell's new range of AI-powered Precision desktop and laptop workstations provide enhanced support for the high level of data processing required to manage AI workloads in the modern workplace.
Each workstation is equipped with a neural processing unit, a specialised processor optimised for handling complex mathematical computations integral to artificial neural networks. This high performance is complemented by large storage and memory to enable the efficient handling of vast amounts of data and speed up the development cycle of AI models.
AI-powered workstations also provide increased flexibility for organisations in the development of AI models. High-end processors and powerful GPUs built into the workstations enable d

Aston University civil engineering experts are teaming up with construction and surfacing company Miles Macadam to help make road surfaces more sustainable.
The University has entered a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) with the Cheshire-based firm, which manufactures and installs 'grouted macadam', an asphalt and cement-based material for road and industrial surfacing.
Working to create more sustainable road surfaces
A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills.
Aston University is a sector-leading knowledge transfer partnership provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body.
The grouts that Miles Macadam use in their surfacing products contain fly ash, a waste product from coal-fired power stations, which now has to be imported. As a result, the quality of this fly ash is variable and the supply can be erratic. Miles Macadam is collaborating with the University to find a more sustainable alternative.
Andrew Scorer, co-director at Miles Macadam Ltd, said: "This is the first KTP we've been involved in and we're very excited about it, as are many of our clients who are really keen for us to develop more sustainable products. Aston University clearly has the expertise we need to assess the different ingredients for our grouts and we're looking forward to working with the team on it."
The project will explore the use of biochar, a carbon-rich material that is produced from processing organic matter such as wood or agricultural waste at very high temperatures. Using waste materials would also conserve virgin resources and reduce the costs and dependence on imported materials.
The team will produce and test hardened grouts for water absorbency and strength, including if the materials can withstand heavy weights. They will use Aston University's specialist environmental testing facility to see how the materials respond to extended cycles of freezing and thawing, mimicking the weather conditions that they may be subject to when used. Once the best candidate materials have been identified, they will be tested in real-world conditions at a Miles Macadam site.
The company chose to team up with Aston University because it has the research expertise to characterise alternatives to fly ash and assess how they affect performance, both in the handling of the product and its final properties.
Dr Moura Mehravar is the lead supervisor and the principal investigator of the project. She said: "This project ambitiously aims to replace traditional cementitious materials with biochar, significantly reducing CO2 emissions in the process. My role involves steering the project towards sustainable and practical outcomes, mentoring the associates involved, and ensuring a productive exchange of knowledge between academia and industry.
"This endeavour highlights our dedication to sustainable construction practices and places us at the forefront of efforts to reduce environmental impact within the construction industry. Through this project, we aim to discover innovative solutions that contribute to a greener future while advancing our understanding and use of alternative construction materials."
Lead academic is Professor Mujib Rahman, a chartered engineer with more than 20 years' experience in the field, five of which were spent in industry. He leads Aston University's Department of Civil Engineering and has extensive research expertise in the fundamental characterisation of asphalt and concrete materials.
He said: "This project brings together different expertise from across the University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to help Miles Macadam future proof their products and reduce their and their clients' CO2 emissions. It's goin