ATS3187 · Artificial Intelligence and algorithmic decision-making in the criminal justice system

Overview

In this unit, you will critically examine how artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are transforming criminal justice systems in Australia and internationally. You will explore key applications including predictive policing, facial recognition, algorithmic risk assessment, AI-generated police reports, and surveillance technologies, and analyse the ethical, legal, human rights, and social justice implications of their deployment in policing, courts, and corrections. Through Australian and International case studies you will assess how algorithmic decision-making tools can entrench existing inequalities, with particular attention to the disproportionate impacts on First Nations peoples and other marginalised communities. You will engage with regulatory and policy frameworks. A distinctive feature of this unit is a hands-on prototype project in which you will use AI tools to develop a transparent complaint triage system, giving you practical experience in critically evaluating the technologies you study. You will also collaborate on a professional policy brief and oral presentation, building skills in evidence-based policy analysis and communication. Whether you are pursuing a career in policing, law, policy, journalism, human rights, or technology, the ability to critically evaluate AI systems that make high-stakes decisions about people is fast becoming an essential skill. You will build on your existing knowledge to develop the kind of informed, evidence-based perspective that employers, government agencies, and advocacy organisations increasingly seek from graduates.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically evaluate the major categories of AI and advanced technologies deployed across criminal justice systems in Australia and internationally, including predictive policing, facial recognition, risk assessment instruments, and AI-generated police reports.
2. Analyse the ethical, legal, human rights, and social justice implications of deploying algorithmic decision-making tools in policing, courts, and corrections, with particular attention to impacts on First Nations peoples and other marginalised communities.
3. Assess the accuracy, reliability, and validity of AI-based tools used in criminal justice by engaging with empirical research, case studies, and audit findings.
4. Apply relevant regulatory and policy frameworks to evaluate AI governance in criminal justice contexts.
5. Communicate complex arguments about technology, ethics, and justice effectively through written analysis, oral presentations, and policy briefs.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.