Judging AI: Exploring Professional Identity and Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence in the Legal System
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Authors
Fine, Anna
Issue Date
2025
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
artificial intelligence , attitudes , judges , social identity theory
Alternative Title
Abstract
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the legal system can enhance judicialefficiency, consistency, and access to justice. However, concerns about bias, legitimacy,
and judicial discretion raise critical questions regarding the judiciary's willingness to
adopt these technologies. This dissertation explores how judges perceive and are
influenced by AI in legal decision-making through the lens of Social Identity Theory
(SIT), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), procedural justice, and legitimacy. This
study investigates how professional identity, trust, and message framing impact judges’
attitudes and behavioral intentions toward AI. Participants were randomly assigned to one
of three message framing conditions—professional role enhancement, efficiency
emphasis, or a neutral message—and completed scales measuring professional identity,
trust in AI, procedural justice, legitimacy, and AI adoption. The findings revealed that
judges exposed to professional role framing reported a higher perceived usefulness, trust,
and willingness to adopt AI than those in neutral or efficient conditions. Trust in AI and
perceptions of procedural justice emerged as key adoption predictors, with legitimacy as
a mediating factor. Qualitative response summaries further illuminated nuanced
perspectives. While many judges recognized AI’s potential to streamline legal research
and manage caseloads, others voiced concerns about bias, ethical oversight, and the
erosion of judicial discretion. These findings underscore the importance of professional
identity and procedural values in shaping judicial receptivity to emerging technologies.
This study contributes to social psychology and legal technology literature by identifying
theoretical and practical factors influencing judicial attitudes toward AI. It discusses
implications for policy, training, and ethical implementation and offers pathways to foster
responsible and accepted AI use in the judiciary.