From AI avatars to virtual reality crime scenes, courts are grappling with AI in the justice system
By RIO YAMAT
Stacey Wales gripped the lectern, choking back tears as she asked the judge to give the man who shot and killed her brother the maximum possible sentence for manslaughter.
What appeared next stunned those in the Phoenix courtroom last week: An AI-generated video with a likeness of her brother, Christopher Pelkey, told the shooter he was forgiven.
The judge said he loved and appreciated the video, then sentenced the shooter to 10.5 years in prison — the maximum sentence and more than what prosecutors sought. Within hours of the hearing on May 1, the defendant’s lawyer filed a notice of appeal.
The Army dress uniform and photo of the late Christopher Pelkey is shown at his mother’s home, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Chandler, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Stacey Wales, sister of the late Christopher Pelkey, displays her brother’s image at her mother’s home, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Chandler, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Defense attorney Jason Lamm won’t be handling the appeal, but said a higher court will likely be asked to weigh in on whether the judge improperly relied on the AI-generated video when sentencing his client.
Courts across the country have been grappling with how to best handle the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in the courtroom. Even before Pelkey’s family used AI to give him a voice for the victim impact portion — believed to be a first in U.S. courts — the Arizona Supreme Court created a committee that researches best AI practices.