Belize Considers AI and Virtual Hearings to Modernize Magistrates’ Court System

According to the government, there are major improvements on the horizon for processes at the Magistrates’ Courts. Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre spoke on some of these upcoming changes, noting that the government is looking into the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist with personnel shortages in the magistracy. He added that systems are being drafted to allow for greater access to justice in remote areas by allowing for virtual hearings. Of course, these things will require legislation to roll them out. 

Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General of Belize: “We will need legislation, but technology advances at such a pace that it behooves us, particularly the delivery of justice to people why we haven’t been able to keep up to pace. So one of the things you may recall in the speech that I’d given at the opening, they mentioned that there would have been plans for a new magistrates court bill. And one of the critical things was to have hearings being done virtually. That is an absolute game changer. So you could have, say in Corozal people from Sarteneja and Xunox and those areas wouldn’t necessarily have to travel all the way to Corozal town but could perhaps at the community centre they would be able to do their court adjournments. As you know, one of the most heart wrenching thing is to see persons sit out in the sun and having to wait for an adjournment or so. Those are things which this government was mindful of and certainly we have plans in place. Those were approved by cabinet draft bills. As I said, everything at this point in time is left up to the good wishes and will of the people.”

Sylvestre also said that efforts are underway to address mold infestations in the Belize City and Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Courts.