Artificial intelligence and justice: a systematic literature review and future research perspectives on Justice 5.0

Purpose This study aims to provide a systematic literature review on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and justice, analysing the evolution of AI driven innovation in the legal sector within the Justice 5.0 paradigm. The research classifies existing literature into three main discussion topics – predictive justice, human–machine combination and robot judges – through a multidisciplinary approach that includes technological, ethical and legal perspectives. By exploring AI’s transformative role, this study highlights the innovative integration of technology in legal decision-making and policy development. Design/methodology/approach The research follows the PRISMA methodology to systematically review 140 relevant papers from the Scopus database. It combines qualitative and quantitative analyses, including bibliometric mapping, visualization techniques and bibliographic coupling. A theory-building approach is adopted to identify key trends, challenges and opportunities in AI-driven innovation, emphasizing its impact on modern judicial systems. Findings The review highlights the increasing innovation in legal processes through AI applications, offering enhanced efficiency and predictive capabilities while raising ethical concerns regarding bias, transparency and human oversight. The findings categorize AI-based innovations in justice into three key areas: (1) predictive justice, where AI tools analyse jurisprudential data to support legal decision-making; (2) human–machine collaboration, where AI enhances legal professionals’ efficiency in case management and legal research and (3) the concept of robot judges, which explores the potential and limitations of fully automated legal decisions. The study also emphasizes the transition from Justice 4.0 to Justice 5.0, promoting human-centred AI innovation in judicial systems. Research limitations/implications While this study comprehensively maps AI-driven innovations in justice, the rapid evolution of AI technologies may introduce new developments beyond the scope of this review. Future research should focus on empirical studies to assess the real-world effectiveness and fairness of AI-driven legal innovation. Practical implications The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners and AI developers, guiding the responsible implementation of AI innovations in justice systems. Understanding the interplay between technological innovation and law is crucial for ensuring transparent and equitable legal decision-making. Social implications The integration of AI-based innovations in justice potentially improves legal accessibility and efficiency while also posing risks related to algorithmic bias and the erosion of human judicial discretion. Addressing these concerns is vital for fostering trust in AI-assisted legal frameworks. Originality/value This work contributes to the literature by offering a systematic classification of AI-based innovations in justice, providing a structured overview of technological advancements and ethical concerns. It establishes a foundational reference for future research and policymaking, highlighting critical challenges and opportunities in AI-enhanced legal innovation.