Can artificial intelligence judge in criminal matters? Article 7 of the ICCPR as a limit
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Abstract
This article examines whether artificial intelligence may exercise judicial functions in criminal matters under international human rights law. After analyzing the fair trial guarantees enshrined in article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, it argues that these provisions do not expressly prohibit virtual judges. It then reviews different doctrinal positions and highlights their shortcomings. The central thesis maintains that the decisive limit is found in article 7 of the Covenant, whose absolute prohibition of inhuman treatment prevents the criminal decisions from being taken by a non-human entity.
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