The Law Commission of Ontario has released its final report on AI in criminal justice, a first-in-Canada analysis of the uses, benefits and risks of AI systems across the criminal justice system.

The report’s 29 recommendations propose new strategies and safeguards to ensure responsible use of AI by police, Crowns, courts and other institutions. Recommendations include calls for new provincial legislation, standardized risk assessments for police AI systems, mandatory reporting and oversight, new approaches to AI evidence, and resources to ensure accused persons can effectively respond when AI is used in their case.

The LCO’s recommendations are grounded in extensive research and consultations with stakeholders across the criminal justice system.

The report proposes a principled and practical framework based in Canadian law and designed to protect rights, support responsible innovation and maintain public confidence in the justice system.

An Executive Summary and the list of recommendations are also available.

You can learn more about the Criminal AI project on the LCO website.

Posted: 22 October 2026