Sir Geoffrey Vos says digital evidence and AI tools are reshaping modern casework
The Master of the Rolls has warned that the justice system in England and Wales must adapt to artificial intelligence and emerging technology if it is to remain fair, efficient and accessible in modern society.
Sir Geoffrey Vos delivered the address, titled Justice for all, justice for the accused, at the Old Bailey on 4 February 2026 as part of the Justice For All lecture series. Speaking to legal professionals and policymakers, he focused on the structural challenges facing the justice system and the principles required to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Sir Geoffrey said debates surrounding jury trials, legal aid and court backlogs were important but ultimately matters for political decision-making. His speech instead examined how justice should function in an era marked by rapid technological change and increasing demand for legal remedies.
He said modern expectations of justice differ significantly from those of earlier centuries, when access to legal processes was often limited to those able to afford them. Today, he noted, society expects justice to be available to all, including vulnerable individuals, small businesses and litigants involved in the millions of disputes arising each year.
Delay, he said, remains one of the most significant pressures on the system. Modern litigation frequently involves large volumes of digital material and increasingly complex evidential requirements, contributing to longer proceedings. Technology, he suggested, presents opportunities to reconsider how disputes are managed and resolved, potentially improving efficiency while maintaining fairness.
Sir Geoffrey also referred to the growing use of generative AI by litigants in person and businesses preparing claims. He said this development could increase the number of cases entering the courts, reinforcing the need for systems capable of handling disputes more proportionately.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI, he emphasised that human judges must remain central to decisions affecting individuals’ rights and freedoms. He said it remains unclear whether machine-led decision-making could satisfy the requirement for an independent and impartial tribunal under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Master of the Rolls suggested that less complex disputes may increasingly be resolved through digital processes, mediation and technology-assisted systems, while more serious matters would continue to require judicial determination.
He concluded by calling for sustained engagement across the legal profession and policymaking community on how technology should be integrated into justice processes. Without careful consideration, he warned, the system risks failing to keep pace with the society it serves.
To read full speech, please visit : judiciary.uk