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The UK Government has announced a new research initiative to assess the use of artificial intelligence in producing court transcripts, with the aim of improving access to justice by reducing delays and costs for victims.
The study, led by HM Courts & Tribunals Service and backed by the Ministry of Justice, will examine how AI can be deployed to transcribe court hearings more quickly and affordably. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise the justice system and enhance transparency.
Currently, victims seeking transcripts of proceedings in the Crown Court often face significant financial barriers, with costs running into hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The research will explore whether the Ministry of Justice’s in-house system, “Justice Transcribe”, can meet required accuracy standards while substantially reducing both turnaround times and fees.
Sarah Sackman said the move reflects the need to ensure victims are able to revisit and understand court proceedings in their own time, particularly given the emotional impact of giving evidence.
The findings are expected to inform longer-term plans to modernise court processes and expand access to official records. The initiative also sits alongside wider legislative reforms, including the progression of the Victims and Courts Bill and the Courts and Tribunals Bill through Parliament.
Separately, the Government has confirmed that from spring 2027, victims in Crown Court cases will be entitled to request transcripts of judges’ sentencing remarks free of charge, marking a further step toward improving accessibility.
Campaigners have welcomed the development. Charlotte Schreurs, founder of the Open Justice For All campaign, said easier access to transcripts is essential for victims seeking to understand proceedings and support their recovery, while also strengthening accountability within the justice system.
