Artificial intelligence is transforming the way societies govern, adjudicate, and protect fundamental rights. In this lecture, Professor Dr Vasilka Sancin examines the profound legal and ethical challenges posed by the use of AI within justice systems, drawing on her experience as a Judge of the European Court of Human Rights and a leading contributor to global AI governance initiatives.
Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Vasilka Sancin, European Court of Human Rights Judge
The lecture will explore how AI technologies interact with core principles of justice, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and access to effective remedies. Professor Sancin will address the risks AI systems pose to human rights—particularly where automated decision‑making affects judicial independence, due process, and the protection of vulnerable groups—while also considering the opportunities AI offers to improve the efficiency and accessibility of justice.
Grounded in international human rights law and informed by ongoing work at the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE, this lecture will provide a timely and authoritative perspective on how courts, regulators and legal professionals should respond to the growing role of artificial intelligence in justice systems. It is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of law, human rights, and the rule of law in the digital age.
Speaker Details:
Prof. Dr. Vasilka Sancin is one of Europe’s leading scholars and practitioners of international human rights law. She is a Judge of the European Court of Human Rights and a Full Professor of International Law at the University of Ljubljana, where she also serves as Head of the Department of International Law and Director of the Institute for International Law and International Relations.
Beyond her judicial and academic roles, Professor Sancin has held senior positions within the United Nations human rights system, including as Vice‑Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and Vice‑Chair of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. She has also served as an arbitrator and Bureau member of the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration and as an expert under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism on Human Rights.
Professor Sancin is internationally recognised for her work at the intersection of human rights, emerging technologies, and global governance. She regularly lectures worldwide as a visiting professor and has authored and edited numerous influential publications in international and human rights law. In addition to her academic and judicial work, she serves as Vice‑President of the Slovenian Red Cross and President of the Slovenian Branch of the International Law Association
Programme:
18.00 -18:10 Welcome Tea/Coffee
18:10 -19:00 Professor Dr Vasilka Sancin Lecture
19:00 -19:30 Q&A
19:30 -20:00 Networking
Please note:
The event will be held in person at Davidson Chalmers Stewart’s Edinburgh office located at 12 Hope Street, Edinburgh EH2 4DB.
This event will also be accessible via Microsoft Teams. Details of the Teams login will be provided to “Online Access” ticket holders immediately prior to the event.
Administration Notes:
This event is free to attend and open to all. Please click here to book a place.
To join SSCL you must first join SCL.
The cost of annual SCL membership including SSCL membership is £190.00.
If you would like more information about the SSCL please email the Society at mail@sscl.org.
Scottish Society for Computers and Law. A company limited by guarantee, Registered No. SC210310, Registered Charity No. SC030577, Registered in Scotland, Registered office: The Capital Building, 12-13 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AF.