SSCL: Views on AI and Justice (from a European Court of Human Rights Judge)

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way societies govern, adjudicate, and protect fundamental rights. In this lecture, Professor Dr Vasilka Sancin examines the profound legal and ethical challenges posed by the use of AI within justice systems, drawing on her experience as a Judge of the European Court of Human Rights and a leading contributor to global AI governance initiatives.

The lecture will explore how AI technologies interact with core principles of justice, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and access to effective remedies. Professor Sancin will address the risks AI systems pose to human rights—particularly where automated decision‑making affects judicial independence, due process, and the protection of vulnerable groups—while also considering the opportunities AI offers to improve the efficiency and accessibility of justice.

Grounded in international human rights law and informed by ongoing work at the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE, this lecture will provide a timely and authoritative perspective on how courts, regulators and legal professionals should respond to the growing role of artificial intelligence in justice systems. It is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of law, human rights, and the rule of law in the digital age.

SPEAKER: Prof. Dr. Vasilka Sancin is one of Europe’s leading scholars and practitioners of international human rights law. She is a Judge of the European Court of Human Rights and a Full Professor of International Law at the University of Ljubljana, where she also serves as Head of the Department of International Law and Director of the Institute for International Law and International Relations.

Beyond her judicial and academic roles, Professor Sancin has held senior positions within the United Nations human rights system, including as Vice‑Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and Vice‑Chair of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. She has also served as an arbitrator and Bureau member of the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration and as an expert under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism on Human Rights.

Professor Sancin is internationally recognised for her work at the intersection of human rights, emerging technologies, and global governance. She regularly lectures worldwide as a visiting professor and has authored and edited numerous influential publications in international and human rights law. In addition to her academic and judicial work, she serves as Vice‑President of the Slovenian Red Cross and President of the Slovenian Branch of the International Law Association

ORGANISERS: Scottish Society for Computers and Law.

The event will be held in person at Davidson Chalmers Stewart's Edinburgh office located at 12 Hope Street, Edinburgh EH2 4DB.

This event will also be accessable via Microsoft Teams. Details of the Teams login will be provided to "Online Access" ticket holders immedietly prior to the event.

STRUCTURE:

18.00 -18:10 Welcome Tea/Coffee

18:10 -19:00 Professor Dr Vasilka Sancin Lecture

19:00 -19:30 Q&A

19:30 -20:00 Networking

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Davidson Chalmers Stewart, 12 Hope Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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