Controversy Over Legal Algorithms Continues
February 11, 2020
An increasing number of states are using algorithms for legal tasks such as granting parole and setting prison sentences, the New York Times reports, noting that criticism is growing apace, including worries that they are not easily understood by the public and have built-in racial or class biases. Already on the case, a journalist and researcher examined in Issues the claimed pros and cons of using algorithms in criminal justice systems, going on to propose improvements including making their inner workings more transparent and subjecting them to independent audits to spot any untoward effects.