How artificial intelligence is transforming the legal system – and why it's genuinely important right now
tilburg, donderdag, 6 november 2025.
For the first time in the Netherlands, a professorship has been established specifically dedicated to the responsible role of AI within the rule of law. Francien Dechesne will take up her position at Tilburg University from 1 November 2025, with the central question: how can we ensure that AI is used fairly, transparently, and responsibly within the legal system? This is not merely a technical issue, but one of moral choices—such as those involved in risk assessments within criminal law. Intrigued? The chair is funded by the WODC, the scientific centre of the Ministry of Justice and Security, demonstrating that the government is now seriously engaging with the ethical implications of AI. This is not a distant vision; it is a step taken today to preserve public trust in the legal system tomorrow.
A new step towards responsible integration of AI in law
Starting 1 November 2025, Francien Dechesne will assume her role as Professor Extraordinaria ‘Data and AI for the Rule of Law’ at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. Her appointment marks a historic moment: it is the first professorship in the Netherlands dedicated specifically to the responsible application of artificial intelligence within the framework of the rule of law. Dechesne, who is already a university professor of ethics and digital technology at Leiden University, will expand her research to address legal, ethical, and governance challenges surrounding AI in justice and security [1]. The chair is funded by the Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek- en Datacentrum (WODC) of the Ministry of Justice and Security, underscoring the government’s clear commitment to ensuring that scientific knowledge supports the implementation of AI in the public sector [1]. Her work focuses on ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the use of AI, particularly in sensitive applications such as risk assessments in criminal law, decision-making in public administration, and the management of personal data [1]. Her interdisciplinary background in computer science, mathematics, and philosophy equips her to tackle complex issues at the intersection of AI and law [1].
From technology to moral choices: the core of Dechesne’s work
Dechesne’s professorship goes beyond technical optimisation; it focuses on the moral and societal implications of AI within the legal system. Her research examines how algorithmic systems can reinforce biological biases and social exclusion, particularly in contexts where AI makes decisions about freedom, punishment, and access to services [2]. She investigates how racialisation of white identity and other structural inequalities can be amplified by AI systems trained on historical data, thereby entrenching existing disparities within the legal system [2]. Through her position at the eLaw Centre for Law and Digital Technology at Leiden University and her new role in Tilburg, she is well-positioned to promote knowledge transfer between universities and public institutions, aiming for responsible AI integration in the public domain [1]. Her dual affiliation with the department of Cognitive Science and AI and the Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TILT) highlights the interdisciplinary nature of her work, where technology, philosophy, and legal science converge [1].
AI in practice: from risk assessment to trust in the rule of law
Risk assessment systems have been used in criminal law since 2010 to predict the likelihood of reoffending, but their reliability and fairness are increasingly challenged. Dechesne’s work focuses on analysing these systems to prevent them from unintentionally promoting discrimination—such as on the basis of race or socio-economic background [1][2]. The chair investigates how transparency and accountability can be guaranteed, so that judges and public authorities understand how AI arrives at a particular conclusion, and why that conclusion should not be accepted without critical scrutiny [1]. This is crucial, as without transparency, AI can function as a ‘black box’ making decisions without clear justification or oversight. The WODC, which enables this professorship, emphasises that high-quality scientific knowledge is essential for the fair use of data and AI in justice and security [1]. By combining academic research with collaboration with public institutions, Dechesne aims to contribute to a system that is not only efficient but also trustworthy and fair for all citizens.
The broader context: why the legal system must respond to AI now
The rapid pace at which AI is being integrated into public service delivery and legal practice demands an urgent and responsible response from the legal system. Dechesne’s appointment is a direct answer to the growing pressure on the legal system to adapt to technological change, especially given the increasing popularity of AI in public administration [1]. No other scientific discipline today needs to consider the relationship between technology and law more than AI ethics, as systems once viewed as supportive now make critical decisions affecting people’s lives, freedom, and access to services [2]. Her work contributes to developing governance frameworks that guarantee fairness, accountability, and control. This is no longer a matter of future vision, but of present responsibility: the rule of law must prevent technology from undermining public trust [1].