Professor Peter Watson

Professor Peter Watson, solicitor advocate at PBW Law and president of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences (BAFS), was invited to deliver the keynote at the prestigious King’s Forensics Symposium 2025, co-hosted by BAFS, Inside Justice and the King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

The event brought together experts from diverse disciplines to explore the transformative potential of AI in reshaping the justice system.

As president of BAFS, Professor Watson opened the conference by underscoring the immense responsibility and opportunity that AI presents to the legal field.

He said: “The promise of AI in the justice system is vast. It offers powerful tools to tackle persistent issues, such as overburdened courts and complex forensic analyses.

“AI has the capacity to reduce delays, enhance efficiency, and improve the analysis of evidence – ultimately fostering fairer and more consistent outcomes for all who come before the law.”

However, he also addressed the ethical concerns surrounding AI’s integration into the legal system, emphasising the need for caution, transparency, and accountability.

Drawing from history, he cautioned against a “Luddite-like” resistance to progress, urging attendees to embrace AI’s potential while ensuring its deployment upholds fairness, justice, and human dignity.

Professor Watson drew a compelling parallel to Plato’s philosophical views on justice, emphasising balance and harmony. He posited that AI could contribute to a more just and equitable legal system, but only if it supported the integrity of the system, rather than undermining it.

He said: “Plato’s vision of justice was one of harmony, not disruption. We must ensure that AI enhances the balance within our justice system, rather than creating new imbalances or eroding its fundamental principles.”

Throughout his speech, Professor Watson explored AI’s diverse applications within the justice system, from judiciary decision-making to policing, legal practice, and forensic science. While emphasising AI’s positive potential to improve fairness and efficiency, he stressed the importance of ethical oversight to mitigate risks such as bias and data breaches.

“AI has the power to revolutionise legal work – from research to case preparation – but it’s crucial that legal professionals remain vigilant,” he explained. “Likewise, AI-driven policing and forensic science must be transparent and rigorously validated to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.”

Professor Watson also addressed AI’s potential in law enforcement, highlighting how predictive analytics could reduce crime and enhance public safety. However, he reiterated that these advancements must not erode public trust, which depends on transparency and accountability.

Other speakers at the conference included Lord Clement Jones CBE, co-chair of House of Lords Select Committee on AI; Tom Conti, actor and trustee of Inside Justice; and Tracy Alexander FKC, director of forensic services at City of London Police.

In closing, Professor Watson reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to the rule of law, emphasising the importance of ensuring that technological advancements serve to make the justice system more accessible, transparent, and just.

Professor Watson added: “We must ensure that AI – and technology in general – is used to make the justice system more efficient, accessible, and fair. Together, we can build a justice system that is worthy of public trust and confidence.”