{
  "id": 12199068,
  "title": "‘AI should not perform core judicial functions’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/ai-should-not-perform-core-judicial-functions",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-05T17:35:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/ai-should-not-perform-core-judicial-functions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Northern Cape Deputy Judge President Mmathebe Violet Phatshoane has called for the responsible use of artificial intelligence as a judicial support tool. Appointed Deputy Judge President of the Northern Cape High Court in 2021, Phatshoane emphasized that AI should not handle core judicial functions like assessing evidence, determining credibility, applying the law, or deciding cases. She asserted, \"We should know that we are here to judge. We cannot have some devices judging for us. We are here to assess the evidence, make credibility findings. We have to apply the law to the effects of the case and ultimately come up with a decision. We can’t rely on AI to do those core functions of a judge. That is incumbent on us to do that.\"\n\nGauteng High Court Judge Ingrid Opperman has expressed concerns about South Africa's handling of gender-based violence and sexual offences, noting that victims continue to face significant obstacles in obtaining justice. During the Judicial Service Commission interviews, Opperman highlighted persistent issues such as delays in DNA testing, insufficient resources, and the complexities of proving sexual offences, especially when consent is contested. She stated, \"I think the police require far more support, far more resources, DNA testing is delayed, and that inhibits the whole process, so there’s this massive delay that one has.\"\n\nThe Judicial Service Commission is conducting interviews for three vacancies at the Supreme Court of Appeal, with Opperman among five candidates being assessed.",
  "summary": "Phatshoane was being interviewed for one of three vacancies at the Supreme Court of Appeal",
  "key_points": [
    "Deputy Judge President Phatshoane advocates responsible AI use in courts",
    "AI must not replace core judicial functions like evidence assessment",
    "Gauteng High Court Judge Opperman criticizes gender violence justice delays"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}