Athina Sachoulidou: Algorithmic criminal justice: Is it just a science fiction plot idea?

This chapter examines the use of algorithms in the realm of criminal justice (known as algorithmic criminal justice) and the potential paradigm shift towards pre-emption-driven decision-making. It contributes to debates about the increasing role of enabling technologies in understanding and responding to crime by turning the spotlight on criminal proceedings. It argues that, at first sight, algorithmic decision-making tools may present a strong potential to improve the operational efficiency of criminal justice authorities, but their use remains associated with hard-to-solve challenges, ranging from lack of transparency to questionable compatibility with core principles of substantive and procedural criminal law. Finally, it highlights the need for a balanced dialogue at the crossroads of technological novelty and (criminal) justice.