PHOENIX — In a trailblazing move, Arizona’s Supreme Court has unveiled two AI-generated avatars dedicated to broadcasting news about every ruling issued by the justices. This marks what is believed to be the first instance in the United States where a state court system employs artificial intelligence to create lifelike characters to engage with the public.
While a Florida court utilizes an animated chatbot for website navigation, Arizona’s Supreme Court is breaking new ground with the introduction of Victoria and Daniel. Composed entirely of pixels, these avatars serve as the face of the court’s news dissemination, performing a role akin to that of a human spokesperson, but with greater speed.
The influence of AI is expanding steadily across various fields, showcasing its vast potential from simplifying web searches to assisting in complex brain surgeries. For the Arizona Supreme Court, the AI initiative stems from a commitment to enhancing trust and confidence in the judiciary.
The need for increased public outreach became evident following a protest outside the state Capitol last April. The demonstration arose after the state’s Supreme Court upheld a Civil War-era law banning almost all abortions, except when the woman’s life was at risk, igniting intense emotions. In response, Chief Justice Ann Timmer prioritized public trust upon assuming her role last summer. Her focus on digital media outreach, catalyzed by the abortion ruling and other decisions, underscored the necessity for courts to actively engage in educating the public on their opinions and implications.
Reflecting on past judicial disclosures, Timmer acknowledged earlier this year that a different approach might have improved public understanding of the abortion ruling. She emphasized that straightforward communication is crucial. If the court had issued a simplified explanation through a news release and avatar video, it might have clarified the ruling’s legal foundations and dispelled misconceptions.
The legal and political landscape shifted when Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs signed a repeal of the abortion ban in May, and Arizona voters subsequently passed an amendment expanding abortion access later that year.
The avatars, Daniel and Victoria, were created using the software Creatify. These digital figures animate the court’s news releases, with videos showcasing either avatar produced for each Supreme Court ruling. Their role may extend to projects enhancing access to justice, community outreach, and civics education in the future. The court’s communications team has been issuing news releases summarizing rulings since October, and the success of these has encouraged exploring video as a medium.
According to court spokesperson Alberto Rodriguez, AI-generated avatars offer efficiency, producing videos within approximately 30 minutes—a stark contrast to the hours typically required for traditional video production. The Arizona Supreme Court may also introduce additional AI avatars in time.
The procedure involves the justice drafting the opinion also writing a corresponding news release. This release, approved by the entire bench, is then translated into a script for the avatars by the communications team. It is important to note that avatars do not interpret the court’s initial rulings or opinions.
Rodriguez explained that the design of Daniel and Victoria aims to embody diverse demographic elements. They are intentionally not meant to appear as real people, and their AI origins are highlighted with disclaimers. The court is also exploring emotional delivery variations, language pronunciations, and Spanish translations for more inclusive outreach.
The reception of these avatars remains under discussion. Mason Kortz, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law’s Cyberlaw Clinic, noted the avatars’ realism but cautioned that their voices might betray their AI nature. Despite this, the voice-over and expressions might still lead viewers to mistake them for real reporters if solely reading subtitles.
Kortz recommended the prominence of the AI disclosure in video texts to prevent its easy removal or oversight. Meanwhile, Asheley Landrum from Arizona State University commented that the avatars feel mechanical. She suggested that a more conversational and storytelling approach could enhance viewer engagement.
However, Landrum warned that navigating between building audience trust and avoiding perceived bias is a delicate balance. Engagement is crucial, but care must be taken to maintain objectivity and accuracy.
