Move Fast and Strengthen Justice: A framework for responsible technology adoption.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Criminal Justice Technology
• Artificial Intelligence in Forensics

Background:

• Rapid technological advancements in forensic science, including AI and automation, are outpacing governance.
• This lag mirrors historical technology adoption issues within the criminal legal system.
• Ensuring scientific validity, procedural justice, and public trust is challenged by this rapid, unregulated adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the risks of implementing new forensic technologies without adequate safeguards.
• To apply the Gartner Hype Cycle as a framework for examining technology adoption risks.
• To advocate for proactive adoption practices that balance innovation with integrity and justice.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the Gartner Hype Cycle as an analytical framework.
• Examining the intersection of technological advancement and governance in forensic science.
• Reviewing case studies of technology implementation in the criminal legal system.

Main Results:

• Technological adoption in forensic science often precedes necessary governance structures.
• Unmitigated risks include compromised scientific validity, procedural injustice, and eroded public trust.
• The Gartner Hype Cycle effectively illustrates the potential pitfalls of premature technology deployment.

Conclusions:

• Minimizing harm and promoting integrity requires proactive, justice-centered adoption of forensic technologies.
• Integrating scientific rigor with mechanisms for institutional repair is essential.
• Sustaining public confidence necessitates a deliberate approach to implementing new forensic tools.