A University of Liverpool expert in the development of artificial intelligence for the legal sector, Professor Katie Atkinson has contributed her expertise to Part 2 of the recent Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, which will be discussed in an upcoming talk at the University.
The review, led by honorary graduate Sir Brian Leveson, was commissioned by the UK government in response to the growing backlog of cases across the criminal justice system.
Spanning nearly 800 pages and containing around 180 recommendations, Part 2 of the review sets out a comprehensive programme of reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal courts.
Professor Atkinson served as one of five expert advisers on the review, with her contribution focussed on providing insight and expertise “the prospects of undertaking digital transformation and deploying artificial intelligence responsibly”, as set out in the foreword to the report.
Review lead Sir Leveson to deliver talk to Liverpool students
Sir Brian Leveson will this month deliver a talk on the highlights of the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts for University of Liverpool students and staff. Sir Brian has previously served as President of the Queen’s Bench Division and Head of Criminal Justice. In 2024 he was appointed by the Lord Chancellor to conduct the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, which concluded in early 2026.
In this exclusive talk on 30 April, Sir Leveson will provide reflections on the review, its reports and recommendations to deliver a reformed, efficient criminal court system. Students and staff will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session as part of the event.
Two decades of expertise in AI and law
Professor Atkinson said: “I was honoured to contribute to this important and urgent review of the criminal courts.
“Artificial intelligence has significant potential to support the justice system, but its use must be carefully designed, transparent and responsible, which is exactly the approach advocated in the review. The review’s recommendations span a wide range of aspects of how the criminal courts operate and as part of this, the recommendations recognise the role that AI can play in helping to address the pressures facing the system and deliver swifter justice to victims.”
Professor Atkinson is Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research.
She has spent more than two decades leading pioneering research on artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on explainable AI and its applications in the legal sector. Her work has been widely published, and she has collaborated with industry partners on a range of projects in this field.
She has also served on several national and international boards and panels, including the International Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law, the Lawtech UK Panel, and the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice.
You can watch a video on the review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE2aUawYGx8