Brief Reflections on the Future of the Global Code of Enforcement: the Integration of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Global Code of Enforcement adopted by the International Union of Judicial Officers, this article offers brief reflections on the future of this soft law instrument in light of the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into civil justice and enforcement procedures. While the Code has already anticipated major developments such as digitalisation, cross-border enforcement, and participatory enforcement mechanisms, the rapid expansion of AI technologies calls for a renewed assessment of its provisions. The article identifies three structural trends shaping contemporary enforcement systems: the internationalisation of disputes, the promotion of consensual enforcement tools, and the increasing use of digital and AI-based technologies. It then examines the ways in which the Code currently accommodates these developments and discusses two possible methods for integrating AI more fully: the creation of new provisions or the amendment of existing ones. It is argued that a comprehensive rereading of the Code is preferable in order to ensure coherent integration of AI while preserving its human-centred philosophy, its compatibility with international standards, and the central role of judicial officers and judicial oversight in enforcement processes.