NCSC’s national leadership on AI in the courts draws major media attention

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, its implications for the administration of justice have moved from niche legal discussions into the national spotlight. Courts, policymakers, and the public are among those regularly turning to NCSC as the leading authority on how to responsibly evaluate, adopt, and govern AI in judicial settings. 

"There are a lot of incredible benefits to AI, but at the same time we know the public is skeptical," said NCSC President Elizabeth Clement during opening remarks to the 2026 NACM midyear meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "So how do we balance that? We have to be very thoughtful about it."

Media attention grows

That list includes major national media outlets, who are regularly turning to NCSC experts for analysis and insights.

In recent months, The Washington Post and NBC News have relied on NCSC's expertise to inform national coverage of how judges and courts are engaging with this emerging technology — underscoring NCSC's central role in shaping the conversation.

"AI adoption is real, but it's early," NCSC expert Michael Navin told The Washington Post earlier this month. "I don't get a sense that there's an overwhelming use of AI by judges, but it is there."

Chatbots & deepfakes

Beyond the bench, courts are increasingly exploring AI's potential to improve operations and expand access to justice. NCSC is at the forefront of this work. One recent collaboration with the Alaska court system focused on developing a generative AI chatbot to help residents navigate probate forms and procedures — an effort that reflects both the promise of AI and the rigor required to implement it responsibly.

What began as a three-month project ultimately extended well beyond a year, reflecting the deliberate, standards-driven approach NCSC brings to every engagement.

"We are now at well over a year and three months, but that's all because of the due diligence that was required to get it right," NCSC expert Aubrie Souza told NBC News.

NCSC's leadership also extends to emerging legal and evidentiary challenges. The New York Times turned to us for insight on how AI-generated content may affect courtroom evidence and judicial decision-making.

"People expect to see video evidence now," NCSC's Shay Cleary shared with The New York Times, noting that concerns about sophisticated AI-generated fakes, while serious, remain largely anticipatory. "For now, I think it's more of a concern than a reality," he said.

Trusted resources & guidance 

For court leaders nationwide, NCSC serves as a trusted, independent advisor — providing the research, guidance, and practical expertise needed to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape with confidence.

"Generative AI is reshaping courts at a pace that outstrips available guidance and resources," said Sara Omundson, administrative director of the Idaho Courts. "In navigating this challenge, Idaho turns to NCSC — whose expertise, professionalism, and steady leadership are essential to developing an ethical and informed approach to AI in the courts."

NCSC is using its AI Readiness program as the framework for work with the Idaho Judicial Branch on an ongoing AI and Data Governance project, ensuring the guidance reflects real-world court operations and emerging best practices. 

NCSC's work is also informed by guidance developed through the TRI/NCSC AI Policy Consortium for Law & Courts, and its members who are leading innovators from the technology, legal, court, and academic fields.

Wherever courts are on their AI journey, NCSC remains the definitive national resource — helping the judiciary harness innovation while safeguarding fairness, transparency, and public trust. 

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