The ACJRD’s 28th Annual Conference, “Opportunities and Challenges of Technological Innovation in the Criminal Justice System,” took place on Thursday, 12th June 2025 at the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin 2.

In an era of rapid technological change, Ireland’s criminal justice system stands at a crossroads. This year’s conference provided a timely platform to explore how digital transformation can enhance justice delivery — while addressing the ethical and operational challenges that accompany it.

The Conference Report captures rich insights from plenary speakers and thematic sessions on:
💡 Artificial Intelligence and legal practice
💡 Moral responsibility in digital policing
💡 Digital evidence and data governance
💡 Technology in rehabilitation and prison reform
💡 Human rights and ethical implications of digital tools

Highlights include contributions from:
• Senator Fiona O’Loughlin – Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence
• Professor Jens Erik Paulsen – Moral responsibility in digital policing
• The Hon. Ms. Justice Nuala Jackson – How can AI assist legal practice and how can it hinder?
• Chief Inspector Jacqui Durkin – Transforming the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland
• Chief Superintendent Derek Smart – Improving the digital evidence journey using body-worn cameras

Thematic sessions explored the applications, ethical dimensions, and AI-driven transformations shaping the justice system of tomorrow — from surveillance technologies to children’s rights and the implications of the EU AI Act.

🔗 Read the full Conference Report here