UK Family Court Uses AI to Summarise Judgment for Learning‑Disabled Parents

Context

In May 2026, the Family Court at Chester & Crewe heard Re B, a public‑law care proceeding concerning a two‑year‑old child who had suffered severe injuries. The court needed to determine the nature of the injuries, their cause, and parental responsibility. Both parents had significant learning and cognitive difficulties, prompting the judge to seek ways to ensure they could meaningfully engage with the proceedings.

Key Facts

- The judge, HHJ Hesford, attached simplified summaries produced by generative AI to the final judgment. The AI was used solely to translate the dense, technical ruling into clearer language; it did not influence factual findings or legal reasoning. - All advocates present described the AI‑assisted summaries as “immensely useful,” highlighting the technology’s potential when applied carefully in vulnerable‑litigant contexts. - The AI’s role was limited to creating the plain‑language version; it did not assess evidence, weigh credibility, or participate in any decision‑making process. - The judgment represents the first reported instance in the UK where a court explicitly includes AI‑generated material to improve access to justice.

What It Means

The Re B decision demonstrates a practical application of AI as a legal interpreter rather than a decision‑maker. By providing an accessible summary, the court addressed a longstanding problem: judgments that are legally sound but incomprehensible to the people they affect. This approach could set a precedent for future cases involving vulnerable parties, prompting courts to adopt similar tools to meet their duty of ensuring procedural fairness.

However, the move also raises broader questions about transparency, reliability, and accountability when AI is used in the justice system. While the technology proved helpful here, safeguards will be needed to prevent over‑reliance or misuse in contexts where judicial reasoning must remain human‑driven.

Looking Ahead

Watch for guidance from the Judicial Office on AI‑assisted communication and any pilot programs that expand the use of generative AI in other courts across the UK.