Artificial intelligence and the perception of guilt in cybercrimes: a systematic review of its legal implications
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Abstract
The progressive incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into judicial systems, especially in addressing cybercrimes, has generated substantial transformations in how digital evidence is produced, assessed, and decided, posing significant challenges to the perception of guilt and the legitimacy of criminal trials. In this context, the objective of this article is to analyze how the implementation of AI tools affects the perception of guilt in cybercrimes within judicial processes, considering their cognitive, evidentiary, ethical, and legal effects. To this end, a systematic review article was developed applying the PRISMA method, following a rigorous methodological approach that allowed for the identification, selection, and analysis of recent studies published in indexed scientific journals, with an emphasis on empirical, experimental, and normative research related to the use of AI in criminal justice. The results show that AI significantly influences the perception of guilt through mechanisms such as automated decision-making, algorithmic anchoring, deference to technical authority, and the presence of biases stemming from data and system design. Furthermore, the study identified that the lack of explainability and human oversight increases the risk of distorting fundamental principles such as the presumption of innocence. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that AI is not a neutral tool in the judicial sphere, and therefore its implementation requires regulatory frameworks, algorithmic explainability, and effective human supervision to guarantee criminal justice compatible with the rule of law
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