Topic: Risk Factor

1 chapters across the catalog

59: Restoring Justice
• 33:46 - 40:09

59: Restoring Justice

Systemic Bias in Courtroom Risk Assessment Software

The discussion returns to courtroom algorithms, comparing them to a "Minority Report" style of risk assessment that quantifies the likelihood of future re-offending. Statistical disparities in how these tools treat Black versus white defendants are highlighted as evidence of literal systemic racism coded into the judicial process. The lack of transparency in the proprietary code used by these companies is identified as a major legal and social issue.