In the world of public defense, time is a resource as precious as any legal precedent. Public defenders are often buried under mountains of cases, and every minute saved is a minute that can be better spent building a defense for someone in need. In Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, the Public Defender's Office is turning to a powerful new ally to reclaim some of that valuable time: artificial intelligence.
A Modern Solution for a Growing Problem
The county commissioners have given the green light to a one-year, $17,300 contract with JusticeText, a company at the forefront of legal technology. This isn't just another software subscription; it's a strategic move to tackle a significant increase in cases that has strained the office in recent years.
So, what does JusticeText do? In criminal cases, the 'discovery' process involves both the prosecution and defense exchanging all relevant evidence. This often includes hours upon hours of video footage from body cameras, dash cams, and surveillance systems. Manually reviewing this footage is a painstaking and time-consuming task.
This is where AI steps in. “The software allows us to view hours and hours of video discovery in a matter of minutes,” explained Chief Public Defender Michael Halkias. JusticeText uses artificial intelligence to automatically transcribe and analyze video evidence, highlighting key moments and identifying specific areas that attorneys should focus on. This allows legal teams to pinpoint crucial information quickly and efficiently.
Commissioner Chairperson Kelly Neiderer praised the move, calling it “fantastic.” She added, “Hopefully, this will help streamline your office. I know you have seen a significant increases in cases over the last few years.”
Funded by a Push for Fairness
This technological leap forward is made possible by an indigent defense grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. This funding, first made available in 2023, marks a significant state-level investment in ensuring that defendants dealing with extreme poverty have access to a fair and robust defense. By equipping public defenders with tools like JusticeText, the state is helping to level the playing field.
Other County Initiatives
While the adoption of AI was a highlight, the Cumberland County commissioners also addressed other community matters:
- Comprehensive Plan Update: Mechanicsburg Borough received an additional $14,000 grant to complete an update to its comprehensive plan after facing a setback with its initial consultant.
- Environmental Protection: A contract was approved to repair a local rain garden, enhancing its ability to manage stormwater runoff and protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- Election Security: The county authorized staff to seek over $930,000 in funding from the Election Integrity Grant Program to ensure smooth and secure elections.
Key Takeaways
- AI in Action: Cumberland County is using AI software, JusticeText, to help its Public Defender's Office process video evidence faster.
- Efficiency is Key: The goal is to save attorneys significant time, allowing them to handle their growing caseloads more effectively.
- State-Level Support: The project is funded by a state grant aimed at improving legal defense for indigent individuals.
- Fairness Through Technology: By speeding up the discovery process, the tool helps ensure a more equitable and efficient justice system.