From automation to adjudication: Evaluating the role of artificial intelligence in dispute settlement

This paper explores the evolving transition from automation to adjudication by examining the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in dispute settlement processes. It assesses how AI can enhance procedural efficiency, support judicial reasoning, and improve access to justice. Adopting a qualitative and interpretive approach, the study analyzes academic scholarship, policy frameworks, and comparative international practices to understand the integration of AI within judicial and quasi-judicial settings (Abedi et al., 2025). The findings suggest that while AI significantly improves administrative processes and provides valuable decision-support tools, it also raises critical concerns regarding algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and the risk of excessive reliance on automated systems. The paper argues that AI should complement rather than replace human adjudicators, operating within robust frameworks that ensure accountability, transparency, and fairness. It ultimately proposes a hybrid model in which AI enhances dispute resolution mechanisms while preserving the essential human elements of judgment, legitimacy, and ethical reasoning central to the rule of law.