Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, together with Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, attended a workshop organised by the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of ICT at the University of Malta. The event marked a significant step towards the conclusion of the AMPS project (Artificial Intelligence in the Maltese Justice System), made possible through funding from Xjenza Malta and with ongoing support from the Ministry for Justice.
Minister Attard emphasised that in today’s era of rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future, but a tool that is actively reshaping our lives, our work, and the public services we deliver.
The AMPS project focuses on how AI can assist judicial processes—particularly within the Small Claims Tribunal—by developing a digital prototype. This technology is designed to support the judiciary by analysing legal documents and similar case law, enhancing efficiency and significantly reducing case processing times.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment, as outlined in its electoral manifesto, to utilising AI in the courts to collect and analyze information from comparable cases and judgments.
Minister Attard also highlighted that six years ago, the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) of the Council of Europe adopted the first European framework establishing ethical principles for the use of AI in judicial systems. This year, CEPEJ published its first report on the use of AI in justice systems.
He further noted that AI was a central theme at the recent 24th Commonwealth Law Conference hosted in Malta. The Commonwealth itself is working on a project to collect and analyse legislation from all member countries using AI technology.
The minister made it clear that AI is not intended to replace the critical decision-making roles of judges, magistrates, or arbitrators. Instead, it is a tool designed to support legal professionals in conducting thorough and timely research.
“Our aim should not only be to ensure justice is served, but to guarantee it is accessible, efficient, and fair to all,” Minister Attard stressed.
Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti added, “The AMPS project marks a major leap forward in how we harness technology to strengthen the justice system. This isn’t just about intelligent systems—it’s a clear example of how AI can work hand-in-hand with humans, not to replace them, but to enhance their capacity to make accurate and timely decisions. With this initiative, Malta is reaffirming its commitment to ethical, transparent innovation, guided by the core values of a just and resilient society.”
Also present at the event were Mr Johan Galea, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector; Ms Vanessa Grech, CEO of the Court Services Agency; Prof. Ivan Mifsud, Dean of the Faculty of Law; and Dr Juliana Scerri Ferrante, former adjudicator at the Small Claims Tribunal.
