AI Replaces Human Reporters In Arizona Supreme Court

Illuminated courthouse building at dusk with columns

Arizona Supreme Court unveils AI avatars Daniel and Victoria to report court rulings, leaving some concerned about the future of legal journalism.

Key Takeaways

The Arizona Supreme Court has introduced AI-generated avatars named Daniel and Victoria to deliver court news, becoming the first state court system in the U.S. to do so.
The AI reporters don’t create content but read pre-written scripts developed by the court’s team, delivering videos within 30 minutes versus hours for traditional production.
Chief Justice Ann Timmer implemented this technology to rebuild public trust following backlash over a controversial abortion ruling.
The avatars are designed to be culturally neutral and represent diverse demographics, with plans to include Spanish translations.
Videos are clearly labeled as AI-generated and will be available on the court’s website and social media platforms.

First State Court System to Employ AI Reporters

The Arizona Supreme Court has taken a pioneering step in judicial communication by introducing AI-generated avatars named Daniel and Victoria to report court rulings and decisions. This innovation marks the first time a state court system in the United States has employed artificial intelligence in this capacity. The court developed these virtual spokespersons in-house using a program called Creatify to produce videos summarizing court rulings, which are then posted to the court’s website and social media platforms for public consumption. The avatars are designed to represent a diverse cross-section of Arizona’s population while maintaining cultural neutrality.

The AI reporters do not generate their own content or analysis; instead, they read scripts carefully crafted by the court’s communication team. This approach allows for rapid dissemination of information—AI-generated videos can be produced in approximately 30 minutes, compared to several hours for traditional video production. Each video includes a clear disclaimer identifying that the content is AI-generated, addressing potential concerns about authenticity and transparency. The court plans to expand this initiative to include access to justice projects and civics-related information.

Rebuilding Public Trust Through Technology

The implementation of AI avatars comes as a direct response to public backlash following a controversial abortion ruling. Chief Justice Ann Timmer acknowledged the need for better communication of complex legal decisions to restore confidence in the judicial system. The initiative aims to simplify legal language and make court rulings more accessible to the average citizen, thereby promoting greater understanding and engagement with the judicial process. By utilizing video content, which many find more engaging than text-based communications, the court hopes to reach a broader audience.

“We serve the public better by saying, OK, we’ve issued this decision. Now, let us help you understand what it is,” Chief Justice Ann Timmer said.

Timmer further explained the motivation behind this technological advancement, referencing past communication failures: “We got a lot of backlash for it and probably deservedly so, in terms of how can we complain that people don’t understand what we did when we didn’t really do enough to give a simplified version.” This admission highlights the court’s recognition that traditional methods of communicating judicial decisions were not effectively reaching or being understood by the public they serve. The AI avatars represent a strategic pivot toward more modern forms of communication.

Enhanced Accessibility and Future Developments

The court is actively exploring ways to enhance the effectiveness of their AI reporters, including implementing different emotional deliveries appropriate to various topics and adding Spanish translations to reach Arizona’s substantial Spanish-speaking population. These developments align with President Trump’s administration’s broader push for technological innovation in government services. The videos currently feature a disclaimer identifying them as AI-generated, though some experts have suggested improvements in how these disclaimers are presented to prevent inadvertent or deliberate removal.

“In today’s fast-paced digital world, people turn to short videos for news and updates,” said Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer in a statement announcing the new program. “I’m thrilled that our court is embracing AI technology to meet the public where they are. With AI news reporters, anyone can quickly stay informed on court decisions, new rules, and regulatory updates—making justice more accessible than ever.”

Both Daniel and Victoria have been introduced to the public through short videos explaining their role. In her introduction, Victoria explains, “If you’re wondering why the court decided to use an AI-generated spokesperson like me to share its news, the answer is simple. By providing timely updates directly from the court, we help ensure you have accurate information about important legal decisions affecting Arizonans.” Daniel similarly assures viewers, “We’re here to keep you in the loop.” These personable introductions aim to make the technology feel more approachable while clarifying its purpose and limitations.