Arizona Supreme Court Shifts To AI For Reporting

Historic building with large columns and stairs.

The Arizona Supreme Court unveils AI avatars Daniel and Victoria as virtual reporters to explain judicial decisions, raising both praise for innovation and concerns over the growing role of artificial intelligence in government.

Quick Takes

Arizona becomes the first state court system in the U.S. to use AI-generated avatars to explain court rulings to the public
The initiative aims to rebuild public trust after controversy surrounding a recent abortion ruling
AI reporters can produce videos within 30 minutes compared to hours for traditional production
Content is pre-written by court staff, with the avatars designed to represent diverse populations
The court plans to expand this approach to include Spanish translations and educational programs

Why Arizona Is Turning to Digital Spokespeople

The Arizona Supreme Court has launched an innovative program using AI avatars named Daniel and Victoria to deliver news about court decisions and updates. This groundbreaking initiative makes Arizona the first state court system in America to employ artificial intelligence for public communications about judicial matters. The court created these digital spokespeople using a program called Creatify, with videos now being posted for every ruling issued by the state’s highest court. Chief Justice Ann Timmer indicated that the move comes in response to public confusion about complex court decisions.

This technological shift comes as the court seeks to rebuild trust with Arizona citizens. The program was partially motivated by public backlash following a controversial abortion ruling, where the court acknowledged it hadn’t done enough to help citizens understand its decision. Now, rather than leaving citizens to interpret dense legal documents or rely on potentially biased media interpretations, the court can provide direct explanations of its rulings through these AI reporters.

How the AI Reporters Actually Work

Despite their futuristic appearance, Daniel and Victoria aren’t independently generating content. Court staff write all scripts, which the avatars then deliver in video format. The court emphasizes transparency by clearly labeling all content as AI-generated. The digital reporters appear on azcourts.gov and various social media platforms, with the court exploring different emotional deliveries and Spanish-language translations to reach more Arizonans effectively.

“We serve the public better by saying, OK, we’ve issued this decision. Now, let us help you understand what it is,” Chief Justice Ann Timmer said.

These digital reporters offer significant efficiency advantages. AI-generated videos can be produced in about 30 minutes, compared to hours for traditional video production. The avatars were designed to represent a diverse cross-section of people, allowing the court to communicate with various communities across the state. In her introduction video, Victoria explains her purpose: to ensure Arizonans have “accurate information about important legal decisions affecting Arizonans.”

The Future of Judicial Communication

The Arizona Supreme Court sees this initiative as just the beginning. Officials plan to expand video content to include access to justice projects and civics-related information. The court is also exploring how these AI avatars might support future community and educational programs, potentially revolutionizing how courts across America communicate with their constituents. Video communication is seen as more engaging and context-rich compared to traditional text-based announcements.

“In today’s fast-paced digital world, people turn to short videos for news and updates,” Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer said in a statement announcing the new program. “I’m thrilled that our court is embracing AI technology to meet the public where they are. With AI news reporters, anyone can quickly stay informed on court decisions, new rules, and regulatory updates—making justice more accessible than ever.”

While some experts have suggested improvements in engagement and making disclaimer notices more prominent, the initiative represents a significant step toward modernizing judicial communications. As President Trump’s administration continues to emphasize technological innovation in government services, Arizona’s experiment may provide a blueprint for other states seeking to make their judicial processes more transparent and accessible. The balance between technological advancement and maintaining public trust will likely determine how widely this approach is adopted across America’s courts.