The Use of Algorithms in Criminal Procedure (Selected Issues)

Abstract

The article analyzes attempts to apply mathematical methods in criminal cases since the times of J. Bentham and indicates the use of algorithms in the activities of law enforcement agencies in the detection process when it comes to the identification of people (based on the image of the face) and vehicles (based on the identification of license plates). The use of algorithms in the practice of criminal justice in the US was also discussed. In the opinion of the author, their use in a criminal trial (in the assessment of evidence and shaping the judgement) will still be only partial and sporadic for some time to come. There is no doubt, however, that their use will cause a lot of controversy. The main reason is the contradiction between the constantly increasing possibilities of collecting and using data about a person (thanks to, among others, algorithms) by law enforcement and judicial authorities and the protection of human rights and freedoms.