For the first time in U.S. history, artificial intelligence (AI) allowed a deceased person to "speak" in court during the sentencing of their killer. The family of Christopher Pelkey, who was shot and killed in a road incident in Arizona in 2021, used AI to create a video statement on his behalf.
The initiative was proposed by Christopher's sister, Stacey Wales, who prepared the video together with her husband and a friend (both AI specialists).
In the statement, Pelkey expressed forgiveness for his killer, Gabriel Horkasitas.
“Gabriel Horkasitas, who shot and killed me, deeply regrets this act, and perhaps in another life we could have been friends. I believe in being forgiving and in a forgiving God. I have always believed and still believe,” Pelkey said with the help of AI.
It was noted that Judge Todd Lang was moved by the video and sentenced Horkasitas to 10.5 years in prison for murder, which was more than the 9.5 years requested by the prosecution.
Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer emphasized that AI has the potential to "create significant efficiency in the justice system and help those without legal knowledge express their cases better."
However, she also stated that if misused, AI could obstruct or even alter justice.
“The best approach is a balanced approach. In this regard, the court has established an AI committee to explore the use of artificial intelligence and provide recommendations on how to use it effectively... Those who use AI, including courts, are responsible for the accuracy of their decisions,” she said.
Photo: Frame from the video
