Search Results (179)

The justice system has increasingly applied AI techniques for legal judgment to enhance efficiency. However, most AI techniques focus on decision-making outcomes, failing to capture the deliberative nature of the real-world judicial process. To address these challenges, we propose a large language model-based multi-agent framework named AgentsBench. Our approach leverages multiple LLM-driven agents that simulate the discussion process of the Chinese judicial bench, which is often composed of professional and lay judge agents. We conducted experiments on a legal judgment prediction task, and the results show that our framework outperforms existing LLM-based methods in terms of performance and decision quality. By incorporating these elements, our framework reflects real-world judicial processes more closely, enhancing accuracy, fairness, and societal consideration. While the simulation is based on China’s lay judge system, our framework is generalizable and can be adapted to various legal scenarios and other legal systems involving collective decision-making processes. Full article

This study explores the challenges and theoretical transformations that the widespread application of AI technology in social governance brings to the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights. By examining typical cases in judicial assistance, technology-enabled law enforcement, and welfare supervision, it explains how AI characteristics such as algorithmic opacity, data bias, and automated decision-making affect fundamental rights including due process, equal protection, and privacy. The article traces the historical evolution of privacy theory from physical space protection to informational self-determination and further to modern data rights, pointing out the inadequacy of traditional rights-protection paradigms in addressing the characteristics of AI technology. Through analyzing AI-governance models in the European Union, the United States, Northeast Asia, and international organizations, it demonstrates diverse governance approaches ranging from systematic risk regulation to decentralized industry regulation. With a special focus on China, the article analyzes the special challenges faced in AI governance and proposes specific recommendations for improving AI-governance paths. The article argues that only within the track of the rule of law, through continuous theoretical innovation, institutional construction, and international cooperation, can AI technology development be ensured to serve human dignity, freedom, and fair justice. Full article

Semantic modeling of legal reasoning is an important research direction in the field of artificial intelligence and law (AI and law), aiming to enhance judicial transparency, fairness, and the consistency of legal applications through structured semantic representations. This paper proposes a semantic judicial reasoning framework based on the “Data–Information–Knowledge–Wisdom–Purpose” (DIKWP) model, which transforms the conceptual expressions of traditional legal judgment into DIKWP graphs enriched with semantics. The framework integrates the objective content of legal norms with stakeholders’ subjective cognition through a DIKWP×DIKWP bidirectional mapping mechanism, achieving “semantic justice”. Specifically, we define a DIKWP-based legal knowledge representation method and design a mapping algorithm from traditional legal concepts to the DIKWP semantic structure. To validate the effectiveness of the framework, we use a real administrative law case as an example and construct DIKWP (normative content) and DIKWP (subjective cognition) graphs to model legal rules, evidence, and various perspectives. The results indicate that the intention-driven semantic transformation mechanism can harmonize legal reasoning with stakeholders’ cognitive backgrounds, thereby enhancing the interpretability and fairness of judicial interpretation. Case analysis further demonstrates that reasoning within the DIKWP semantic space can reveal underlying assumptions, bridge cognitive gaps, and promote judicial fairness by aligning legal intentions. This study provides new theoretical and methodological support for the explainable reasoning of intelligent judicial systems. Full article

This study introduces a novel framework for fair resource allocation in self-governing, multi-agent systems, leveraging principles of interactional justice to enable agents to autonomously evaluate fairness in both individual and collective resource distribution. Central to our approach is the integration of Rescher’s canons of distributive justice, which provide a comprehensive, multidimensional framework encompassing equality, need, effort and productivity to assess legitimate claims on resources. In resource-constrained environments, multiagent systems require a balance between fairness and satisfaction. We compare the Borda Count (BC) method with K-means clustering, which group agents by similarity and allocate resources based on cluster averages. According to our findings, the BC method effectively prioritized the highest needs of the agents and resulted in higher satisfaction. On the other hand, K-means achieved higher fairness and facilitated a more equitable distribution of resources. The study showed that there was an intrinsic balance between fairness and satisfaction with the allocation of resources. The BC method is more suitable when individual needs are the main concern, while K-means is better when ensuring an equitable distribution between agents. In this work, we provide a refined understanding of the resource allocation strategies of multi-agent systems and emphasize the strengths and limitations of each approach to help system designers choose the appropriate methods. Full article

This study explores how Human Resource Management (HRM) can help organizations to face the challenges of digital transformation, focusing on reducing digital inequalities and improving employee performance. As digital tools become more important in workplaces, many employees still experience digital exclusion, which affects not only their productivity but also their sense of fairness and inclusion, as well. To investigate these issues, quantitative research was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed online to employees across EU-based companies. The data were analyzed through PLS-SEM, including IPMA and mediation analysis, to understand the relations between HRM practices, digital skills, and perceptions of organizational justice. The findings show that HRM strategies have a significant impact on bridging the digital divide, especially by promoting digital adaptability and supporting inclusive work environments. Inclusion was also found to mediate the relation between HRM and employee performance. This research offers practical suggestions, like using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor digital participation and encouraging continuous learning. The study adds value by connecting digital empowerment with HRM policies in a way that supports both organizational efficiency and equality. Future research could focus on specific sectors or use longitudinal data to better capture how digital inclusion develops over time. Full article

School Atmosphere (SAt) plays a crucial role in shaping students’ academic success and emotional well-being. When students perceive a negative SAt, this can lead to feelings of School Alienation (SAl), which are associated with School Refusal (SR). Despite previous research on school climate and SR, the dimension of SAt, which encompasses the intangible aspects (quality of relationships and justice perceptions) of the school environment, remains a topic of limited examination. Furthermore, the mediating role of SAl between these variables remains underexplored. This study aims to examine how SAl (learning alienation, teacher alienation, and classmate alienation) mediates the relationship between students’ perceptions of SAt (educational climate, student–teacher relations, student relations, sense of belonging, and interpersonal justice) and SR (anxious anticipation, difficult transition, interpersonal discomfort, and school avoidance). Data were collected from 528 Italian high school students (aged 14–20), and using structural equation modeling (SEM), the direct and indirect relationships between SAt variables, dimensions of SAl, and SR were assessed. The results indicated that negative perceptions of interpersonal justice and sense of belonging were strongly associated with higher levels of learning and teacher alienation, which are linked to SR, particularly anxious anticipation and difficult transition. The results emphasize the importance of promoting fairness, belonging, and supportive student–teacher relationships to mitigate alienation and improve student success. This study highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to foster positive school environments and prevent disengagement and absenteeism, ultimately promoting academic success and student well-being. Full article

Planetary health is a transdisciplinary concept that erases the dividing lines between individual and community health, and the natural systems that support the wellbeing of humankind. Despite planetary health’s broad emphasis on justice, the promotion of science-based policies, and stated commitments to fairness, equity, and harm reduction, the criminal justice system has largely escaped scrutiny. This seems to be a major oversight, especially because the criminalization of mental illness is commonplace, and the system continues to be oriented around a prescientific compass of retribution and folk beliefs in willpower, moral fiber, and blameworthiness. Justice-involved juveniles and adults are funneled into landscapes of mass incarceration with ingrained prescientific assumptions. In non-criminal realms, such as obesity, there is a growing consensus that folk psychology ideas must be addressed at the root and branch. With this background, the Nova Institute for Health convened a transdisciplinary roundtable to explore the need for a ‘Copernican Revolution’ in the application of biopsychosocial sciences in law and criminal justice. This included discussions of scientific advances in neurobiology and omics technologies (e.g., the identification of metabolites and other biological molecules involved in behavior), the need for science education, ethical considerations, and the public health quarantine model of safety that abandons retribution. Full article

Recognising linguistic diversity as a person’s characteristic is arguably central to their multilingual identity and is important as an equity issue. Different indicators suggest that students with migrant backgrounds, whose linguistic diversity is often not reflected in European education systems, tend to underperform compared to their peers without migrant backgrounds. There is a dire need, therefore, to alleviate the educational inequalities that negatively affect some of the most plurilingual students in European school systems. This can be carried out by revisiting assessment tools. Developing assessments to make children’s full linguistic and cultural repertoire visible, and what they can do with it, is one way that potential inequalities in school systems and assessment practices can be addressed so that cultural and linguistic responsiveness of assessments and practices can be improved. This paper explores the concept of discontinuities or mismatches between the assessment of plurilingual children’s linguistic practices in one primary school in Catalonia and their actual linguistic realities, including heritage languages. It asks: (1) What are the children’s linguistic profiles? (2) What mismatches and/or educational inequalities do they experience? and (3) How does the co-creation and use of a rubric assessing plurilingual and intercultural competence attempt to mitigate these mismatches and inequalities? Mismatches are identified using a context- and participant-relevant reflection tool, based on 18 reflective questions related to aspects of social justice. Results highlight that mismatches exist between children’s plurilingual and intercultural knowledge and skills compared to the school, education system, curriculum, and wider regional and European policy. These mismatches highlight two plurilingual visions for language education. The paper highlights how language assessment tools and practices can be made more culturally and linguistically fair for plurilingual children with migration backgrounds. Full article

Introduction: This study examined how social, economic, and political factors influenced psychological and physical health disparity in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Using survey data from three surveys from 2020 to 2021, we identified significant associations between well-being and biological, economic, social, and ethico-political dimensions. Results: Key findings suggest that not only biological factors, but also social, economic, and political factors are essential for the psychosomatic health disparities in static and dynamic analysis. Discussion: This paper proposes the term psychosomatic health by proving the correlation between physical and psychological health disparities. Conclusion: Accordingly, communitarian intervention, the multi-dimensional and integrated policy that addresses not only economic needs but also social and political equity/fairness, is required. Full article

The intersection of energy, environment, and industry presents distinct challenges and opportunities in rural and urban settings, highlighting disparities in access, impact, and policy effectiveness. This paper examines the systemic inequities between rural and urban regions in the transition to a sustainable energy future. It explores how policies and technologies can promote a just transition that ensures equitable economic development, environmental protection, and energy access for all communities. The key findings reveal that the average urban environmental pollution has transitioned from 10.1574 in 2007 to 8.9540 in 2022, indicating an improvement over time. From 2007 to 2022, the average level of rural environmental pollution has transitioned from 15.1123 in 2007 to 14.2675 in 2022, suggesting an improvement in performance over the specified timeframe. This shows that rural environmental pollution (14.8442) is more serious than urban environmental pollution (9.0892), even though rural environmental pollution is constantly improving. Regarding driving factors affecting urban and rural environmental pollution, we illustrate that energy consumption and environmental protection investment are important factors through which environmental regulation influences urban environmental pollution, while only environmental protection investment is an important factor through which environmental regulation influences rural environmental pollution. The findings suggest that only in the western region do stronger environmental regulations significantly reduce urban pollution, while strengthening environmental regulations improves rural pollution across all three regions, with the most pronounced effect in the west. By integrating quantitative and policy analysis, the study proposes inclusive strategies that balance economic resilience, social justice, and environmental sustainability, fostering a fair transition toward a low-carbon future. Full article

The underreporting of gender-based violence (GBV) in institutions of higher learning can be attributed to a range of causes and has an impact on students’ physical and mental health. Institutions of higher learning have made efforts to eradicate the problem, yet incidences are still on the rise, calling for urgent attention. This paper focuses on the causes of the underreporting of GBV in higher education institutions (HEIs) as a point of reference to understanding the root magnitude of the pandemic in order to devise problem-specific interventions to eradicate GBV in institutions of higher learning. The rational choice theory and cultural acceptance of violence theory guided the analysis of the findings discussed in this paper. The rational choice theory provides insights into why victims choose not to report their victimization. The cultural acceptance of violence theory highlights how cultural norms can normalize and perpetuate GBV, creating barriers for victims to come forward. The findings discussed in this paper emanate from a qualitative study that gathered data using 22 one-on-one interviews with students and one focus group comprising seven supporting staff members from the University of Umvoti. Data were thematically analyzed to address the research objectives. The findings indicate that intimidation and distrust in law enforcement agents and institutions are the main reasons why GBV is underreported. Other factors that may be at play include fear of the perpetrator taking revenge, fear of not being believed, stigma and shame, the patriarchy, reliance on money, and a lack of awareness about GBV. To address these issues, this paper recommends that higher education institutions should uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and transparency in handling GBV cases. Moreover, there should be ongoing facilitation of awareness campaigns on GBV covering issues of consent, gender equality, safety, and reporting and support. When victims of GBV feel supported, they are more likely to trust the institution and report any victimization. Full article

Liberal political philosophy has traditionally maintained that history is irrelevant to justice, focusing instead on the present and the future. This perspective renders liberalism largely indifferent to historical injustices, as it prioritizes abstract principles of fairness over considerations of past wrongs. However, contemporary liberal thinkers have increasingly challenged this ahistorical stance, advocating for an approach that acknowledges historical injustices and their enduring effects. This article examines this theoretical debate, emphasizing the importance of remembrance in political philosophy. Full article

Climate change poses one of the most urgent challenges for cities today, creating unprecedented risks for individuals, communities, and various types of infrastructure—social, spatial, and physical. In response, many cities have begun developing and implementing adaptation policies aimed at enhancing their resilience and sustainability. This paper raises an important question about the fairness of these emerging policies and plans: how are adaptation policies and their practical measures distributed equitably among different urban areas, and how do they affect social, racial, ethnic, and other marginalized groups? However, the existing literature on urban adaptation measures is fragmented across various fields of knowledge. There is a notable lack of a cohesive conceptual framework that integrates these adaptation measures. This absence hinders our understanding of the social dimensions of these policies and their equitable distribution among diverse urban groups and neighborhoods, especially when many of them are implemented simultaneously. This paper aims to analyze the socially just aspects of urban adaptation measures and to explore their impact on socially, demographically, ethnically, and gender-diverse populations and groups. The central argument of this paper is that adaptation policies and their associated measures are not merely tools for implementation; rather, adaptation measures serve as significant carriers of social justice. This paper reviews multidisciplinary climate change adaptation policies and measures at the city scale. This analytical review is grounded in Jabareen’s multidisciplinary theory for building a conceptual framework. The analysis yields a new conceptual framework, which we refer to as the Conceptual Framework for Just-Oriented Adaptation Policies. This framework consists of six interconnected concepts of adaptation, with each concept encompassing various measures that collectively contribute to specific aspects of social justice. At the core of this framework lies the ontological concept of defensibility, which underpins adaptation policies aimed at protecting people and urban systems while enhancing the resilience of cities. Full article

Urban green space (GS) equity is crucial to achieving environmental justice. From the environmental justice perspective, this study focuses on the equity of GS in residential areas of urban disadvantaged groups, quantitatively assessing and comparing the fairness of GS usage between urban villages (UVs) and formal residential quarters (RQs). Using data on green space area, NDVI, and FVC, this study analyzes GS conditions across different buffer distances within the central urban area of Beijing. Statistical methods, including the Theil index, were employed to evaluate the equity of per capita green space, vegetation coverage, and vegetation conditions. Our findings reveal distinct spatial distribution patterns of internal and external GS characteristics between UVs and RQs. Additionally, while the internal GS equity in UVs is generally lower than in RQs, FVC equity demonstrates the opposite trend. Finally, intra-group inequity in both UVs and RQs is the dominant factor contributing to overall GS disparities in residential areas. This study establishes a comprehensive evaluation framework for analyzing GS availability, NDVI, and FVC equity in two types of residential communities. It provides a valuable reference for subsequent GS equity assessments and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers to prioritize improving GS equity in certain residential areas. By addressing gaps in environmental justice theory regarding urban GS, this study proposes a pragmatic and effective approach to enhancing GS equity in large, rapidly developing cities. Full article

Collegiate sports serve as a powerful platform for advancing youth development and social engagement, contributing not only to athletic growth but also to personal development, teamwork, and social justice among student-athletes. This study explores the relationships among procedural justice, coach trust, perceived organizational support (POS), and team commitment in collegiate athletes. A self-reported questionnaire administered to college athletes collected 285 usable responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that higher perceptions of procedural justice are significantly associated with greater team commitment, increased coach trust, and higher POS. Additionally, coach trust positively influences both team commitment and POS. However, no significant relationship was found between POS and team commitment, indicating that POS alone may not be a direct predictor of athlete commitment without the presence of mediating factors. These findings highlight the pivotal role of procedural justice, coach trust, and POS in shaping team commitment among collegiate athletes, underscoring the importance of fair decision-making and relational trust in fostering youth development and reflecting the broader influence of behavioral and social dynamics in collegiate sport settings. Full article