TechStart interns Zak and Ivanildo explore the future of justice at the Old Bailey
by Joe Abbott
As part of their experience on the TechStart programme, interns Zak and Ivanildo attended the second event in the Justice For All series, Justice for the Accused, held at the Old Bailey. For both students from Saracens High School, it was a unique opportunity to step into one of the country’s most historic legal settings and explore how technology could play a role in shaping the future of the justice system.
The event partially focused on how artificial intelligence could support criminal justice processes, bringing together voices from across the legal, technological and civic sectors. For Zak and Ivanildo, it was an eye-opening experience that showed them how technology can have an impact far beyond the traditional computer science environment.
One of the main themes that stood out to them was the growing role of AI in the justice system. During the discussion, they heard about how voice recognition, speech AI and other forms of intelligent technology could be used to identify accused individuals and support legal decision-making. They were particularly struck by the idea that AI could potentially detect patterns in behaviour, such as whether someone may be lying, happy or sad.
At the same time, the event raised important ethical questions. Both Zak and Ivanildo came away understanding that while AI offers exciting possibilities, human intervention remains essential. The justice system has long relied on judges, prosecutors and legal professionals to assess evidence and make decisions. The idea of introducing AI into that process was fascinating, but it also highlighted the need for careful thought, balance and responsibility.
For Ivanildo, the event sparked a deeper sense of purpose. He has always wanted to use his work to benefit society, but before attending Justice for the Accused, he was unsure how that might look in practice. Hearing how technology could support fairness and innovation in the justice system helped him see a clearer path. It showed him that positive change can happen when technology is applied thoughtfully to real-world challenges.
Zak also found the experience especially meaningful. He described the day at the Old Bailey as surreal from the moment he arrived. The scale and history of the building, along with the formal security procedures, made it clear that this was no ordinary event. As he carried out his role, he had the opportunity to speak with senior figures, including the Recorder of London, who was impressed by the opportunity Zak had been given at such a young age.
Those conversations, including exchanges with both the Sheriff and Alderman, Robert Hughes-Penney, and Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, left a lasting impression on both students. They were struck by how rare it is for young people to be invited into spaces typically occupied by experienced professionals from law and finance. Being present in that environment helped them realise that they are already gaining exposure to opportunities that set them apart from many of their peers.
A key theme of the event was the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Bringing together professionals from different industries created space for new ideas and perspectives, particularly around how technology can support the evolution of the justice system. For Zak and Ivanildo, this highlighted that meaningful change depends on people from different backgrounds working together and learning from one another.
The experience also reinforced the wider value of the TechStart programme. By attending events like this, Zak and Ivanildo are not only building their confidence and professional skills, but also developing a clearer understanding of how their interests can connect to wider society. They are beginning to see that technology can be used not just as a technical skill, but as a tool to create impact.
For both interns, their time at the Old Bailey was memorable not just because of the setting or the people they met, but because of the ideas it introduced. It gave them a new perspective on the relationship between technology and justice, and a stronger sense of how they might contribute to the future.
The Justice For All series highlights the value of bringing different sectors together to explore complex challenges. For Zak and Ivanildo, it opened the door to new ways of thinking, new ambitions and a deeper understanding of how technology can benefit society.
