DCU’s Data and Privacy Week 2026 was marked by a two-day international scholarly event entitled “The Gavel and the Algorithm: Courts’ Role in a Data-Driven World.” Across both days, judges, leading academics, and legal experts from around the globe engaged in discussions on the evolving relationship between judicial systems, data-driven technologies, and artificial intelligence.
Day 1 – Keynote Dialogue: Courts & Digital Justice
The Week opened on 22 January with an engaging keynote session held in AG01 of the Albert College Building. The keynote brought together two distinguished jurists:
Justice Iseult O’Malley of the Supreme Court of Ireland
Justice Gilmar Ferreira Mendes of the Supreme Court of Brazil
The conversation addressed how courts are adapting to the realities of data-intensive technology and algorithmic decision-making, focusing on judicial reasoning, procedural fairness, and fundamental rights. Opening institutional remarks were delivered by representatives from DCU and the Brazilian Embassy, emphasising the critical importance of international collaboration in responding to technological transformation.
Concluding reflections were provided by Prof Ingo Sarlet (PUC-RS).
Day 2 – Academic Roundtables
Roundtable 1 – From Judicial to Algorithmic Power: A De-Humanisation of Courts?
Speakers:
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Prof Paolo Passaglia (Università di Pisa)
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Dr Lucia Teixeira Ferreira (IDP)
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Dr Brian Barry (Trinity College Dublin)
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Leyse Potira Marostega Zibetti Robl (IDP)
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Hannah Garland (DCU)
Moderator: Prof Ilton Robl Filho
This session examined how algorithmic systems are reshaping the nature of judicial authority and the implications for human-centric court practices, prompting lively debate on whether aspects of adjudication risk becoming overly mechanised.
Roundtable 2 – Beyond the State: The Privatisation of Judicial Power in the Age of AI
Speakers:
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Prof Guilherme Pupe da Nóbrega (IDP)
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Dr Monique Munarini (TCD)
- Dr Pietro Lorenzoni
Moderator: Dr Ellen Rushe
This panel explored the expanding influence of private entities in algorithmic governance and judicial functions, highlighting emerging legal questions about accountability, legitimacy, and the balance between public and private adjudication powers.
