AI Error in Parole Case Prompts Review in Tasmania
A legal challenge revealed an artificial intelligence tool generated a flawed document, leading to a review of its use in parole decisions.
Tasmania's justice department will review the use of artificial intelligence in parole decisions following a significant error involving convicted murderer Susan Neill-Fraser. The review was confirmed Friday, four days after a parole condition was found to be invalid.
Neill-Fraser was released on parole in 2022 after serving 13 years for the 2009 murder of her partner, Bob Chappell. The state parole board later imposed conditions preventing her from speaking to the media about her case or claiming wrongful conviction. However, the Supreme Court of Tasmania ruled on Tuesday that these conditions were invalid and had been imposed without procedural fairness.
Evidence presented in court showed that the parole board had relied on a document generated with the assistance of AI, which also cited non-existent case law. A spokesperson for the justice department stated, "The department will undertake a review to determine the extent to which artificial intelligence may have been used to inform past Tasmanian parole board decisions."
Greg Barns, chair of Prisoners Legal Service Tasmania, described the conditions placed on Neill-Fraser as "deeply troubling" and found it "extraordinary" that the case law was not verified. His organization is conducting its own audit of parole board decisions from the past two years to identify any signs of AI use or errors.
Sarah Schwartz, representing Neill-Fraser from the Human Rights Law Centre, expressed concern that the parole board utilized AI, stating, "It's really concerning that the parole board of Tasmania... used AI in generating this document... (It) severely restricted our client's fundamental freedoms, her freedom to speak in regard to her matter."
The parole board, an independent body, declined to comment on individual matters or the extent of its AI usage. Neill-Fraser, who has unsuccessfully appealed her conviction multiple times, has indicated she will continue her efforts to clear her name.
Attorney-General Guy Barnett has requested an explanation from the parole board, deeming the error unacceptable.