AI Initiative "On The Docket" Aims to Visualize Supreme Court Decision Announcements
An artificial intelligence (AI) initiative, "On The Docket," launched by the Oyez project, is developing visual representations of U.S. Supreme Court decision announcements. The project aims to broaden public access to these proceedings, which are typically only observable by individuals physically present in the courtroom on the day they occur.
Project Overview
The "On The Docket" initiative builds upon the Oyez project's long-standing efforts to make the Supreme Court more accessible. Since 1996, Oyez has provided public access to audio recordings of oral arguments and opinion announcements dating back to 1955. The new AI-driven component specifically targets the visual dimension of decision announcements.
Oyez's "On The Docket" project uses AI to create visual representations of Supreme Court decision announcements, enhancing public access.
The project is a collaboration involving Northwestern University Professor Jerry Goldman, University of Minnesota professor Timothy R. Johnson, and the AI design company Spooler.
AI Implementation & Ethical Safeguards
The team develops digital avatars of the Supreme Court justices, which are created using publicly available photos and videos. These avatars are designed to reflect the justices' mannerisms, such as head tilts and hand gestures. The visual representations are then synchronized with existing audio recordings of the announcements.
To address ethical considerations and ensure clarity for viewers, the generated videos are slightly cartoonized and clearly labeled as AI-generated. This approach is intended to help viewers distinguish between the authentic audio and the AI-created visuals.
A History of Restricted Access
Access to Supreme Court proceedings has historically been restricted. Prior to the early 1990s, audio recordings of court proceedings were not widely known or easily accessible, often becoming available months after decisions were made.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Supreme Court began live broadcasting oral arguments, a practice that has continued.
However, the announcements of decisions from the bench, including oral dissents, remain unavailable for same-day public viewing outside the courtroom. The "On The Docket" project seeks to bridge this gap for decision announcements.
First Look: Visualizing Key Decisions
An initial creation of the project includes a visual representation of Chief Justice John Roberts' 14-minute summary of a decision concerning immunity for former President Trump's official actions, as well as Justice Sonia Sotomayor's subsequent dissent in the 6-to-3 ruling.
The Court's Ongoing Stance on Transparency
The Supreme Court has historically limited direct public access to its proceedings. In 1993, law professor Peter Irons published recordings of oral arguments that were not publicly known at the time, leading to a lawsuit from the court which was later dropped.
Despite requests from reporters and scholars for live broadcasts of opinion announcements, the court has not implemented such measures.