Tech updates from around the world
Published 06/08/2019
We are always weighing technology's impact on access to justice here at the network - in this article, we look at two positive developments that were recently launched in Australia and The United States.
Australia: Community legal centre uses chatbots to improve efficiency of web services
Non-profit community legal centre Youth Law Australia (YLA) has collaborated with tech services firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled online chatbots that could potentially improve the efficiency of its web-based services.
The chatbots allow YLA to deliver faster access to free legal information and advice through its LawStuff website and LawMail legal advice service. The chatbots are accessible from any device - whether tablet, desktop, or mobile - and compatible with several web browsers and social media platforms. The bots are meant to ensure that everyone using YLA web services gains access to help when they need it.
United States: New platform connects pro bono lawyers with unaccompanied minors
Thousands of children must face immigration judges each year without appointed counsel. With representation, asylum seekers have a five times greater chance of winning their case. Funded by the Vera Institute of Justice, Pro Bono Matters for Children Facing Deportation allows lawyers to search and share available pro bono cases for unaccompanied children (UC) detained by the federal government or released to live with family members while in deportation proceedings.
