Berlin’s judicial system faces significant challenges in the coming years, confronting a projected six percent reduction in its workforce. This decline, compounded by difficulties in attracting new talent, is prompting authorities to explore innovative solutions, including the integration of artificial intelligence.
Justice Senator Felor Badenberg highlighted the increasing reliance on AI-powered tools to alleviate pressure on the courts. Berlin, in collaboration with Lower Saxony, has developed “Emil” an AI tool designed to support judges in asylum proceedings. Emil streamlines the process of gathering information on countries of origin, traditionally a laborious task requiring extensive database searches. The system functions as a centralized chatbot, consolidating search results into a structured format, which Senator Badenberg stated, “facilitates a deeper understanding of the case materials for judicial decision-making.
However, Senator Badenberg emphasized that AI serves as a supportive tool and does not replace human judgment. “Decisions in our legal system are made by humans and that must remain the case” she asserted. The applications are designed as assistance systems and judicial decisions ultimately rest solely with the judges, not algorithms.
The current staffing situation is described as strained, with up to 600 employees expected to retire in the coming years. The total judicial workforce comprises approximately 10,500 individuals, supplemented by roughly 2,000 trainees. Senator Badenberg pointed to demographic shifts as a contributing factor, noting a shrinking pool of applicants. “We are in competition with the private sector and, in the capital, with the federal government – and that’s for the best talent” she explained.
