Even algorithms that seem relatively far removed and pretty benign can seem a little scary. But imagine if an algorithm sent you to jail. During a recent appearance, Chief Justice John Roberts was asked: “Can you foresee a day when smart machines, driven with artificial intelligences, will assist with courtroom fact-finding or, more controversially even, judicial decision-making?” His answer: “It’s a day that’s here, and it’s putting a significant strain on how the judiciary goes about doing things.” From the NYT: Sent to Prison by a Software Program’s Secret Algorithms.