About the FAIR – PReSONS

FAIR-PReSONS, a DG JUST project, funded by the European Union and coordinated by the University of the Aegean (EL), aims to address and mitigate bias in recidivism data to ensure fair and equitable decisions in the criminal justice systems at the national and European level from a gender perspective. The project focuses on the collection and digitization of data from prisons and offense management systems (OMS) across participating countries, Greece, Portugal and Bulgaria, structuring this data into knowledge graphs, and making it accessible via a dedicated data portal. A preliminary gender analysis will be conducted to identify and address gender biases in recidivism prediction systems. The project employs advanced algorithms and integrates knowledge graphs with artificial neural networks (ANNs), aiming to enhance the accuracy and explainability of predictions. This holistic approach to fair AI aspires to support unbiased decision-making, thereby assisting judges and legal practitioners in their effort to make unbiased/fair decisions and mitigate gender stereotypes.

The FAIR-PReSONS project will implement concrete measures to achieve its ambitious goals, including:

• Data Collection and Digitisation: The project will collect and digitise data from prison establishments and offender management systems in three participating countries: Greece, Portugal, and Bulgaria.
• Gender Analysis and Bias Mitigation: A preliminary gender analysis will identify and address gender biases in recidivism prediction systems. The project will also analyse other sensitive attributes that may introduce bias, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fairness.
• AI System Development and Training: The project will develop a fair and unbiased AI system by employing advanced algorithms and integrating knowledge graphs with artificial neural networks. The project will also train 80 judges and legal practitioners on the ethical and effective use of the AI tool.
• Dissemination and Awareness: The project’s findings and outcomes will be widely disseminated through various channels, including a dedicated data portal, publications, newsletters, a project website, social media engagement, and multiplier events in each participating country. These efforts are expected to reach up to 120 attendees.

These concrete measures demonstrate the project’s commitment to addressing biases, promoting transparency, and fostering fairness within the criminal justice system.

Acronym: FAIR-PReSONS
Title: Fair predictions of gender-sensitive recidivism
Duration: 24M (06/2024 – 05/2026)
Priorities: e-JusticePriority
Project no: 101160473
Type of Action: JUST-LS