ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-AUGMENTED ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND JUDICIAL EFFECTIVENESS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INSTITUTIONAL TRUST AND THE MODERATING ROLE OF DIGITAL GOVERNANCE CAPACITY

Abstract

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into judicial systems has created significant opportunities for enhancing judicial efficiency, transparency, and decision-making while simultaneously raising ethical and governance challenges. This study examined the influence of Artificial Intelligence-Augmented Ethical Leadership on Judicial Effectiveness, considering the mediating role of Institutional Trust and the moderating role of Digital Governance Capacity. Grounded in Socio-Technical Systems Theory, the study proposed that the successful implementation of AI within judicial institutions depends on the effective integration of ethical leadership and technological capabilities. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to judicial officers, court administrators, and legal professionals. The proposed conceptual model was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicated that Artificial Intelligence-Augmented Ethical Leadership significantly enhanced Judicial Effectiveness directly and indirectly through Institutional Trust. Moreover, Digital Governance Capacity strengthened the positive relationship between Artificial Intelligence-Augmented Ethical Leadership and Judicial Effectiveness, highlighting the importance of institutional readiness for successful AI implementation. The study contributes to the literature on ethical leadership, artificial intelligence governance, judicial administration, and public sector digital transformation by providing an integrated framework that explains how responsible AI leadership improves judicial performance. The findings offer practical guidance for policymakers and judicial administrators in designing ethical AI governance frameworks, strengthening institutional trust, and enhancing digital governance capabilities to achieve sustainable judicial effectiveness.