Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most prominent technological developments of the modern era due to its ability to analyze data, learn, make decisions, and perform tasks that simulate certain human capabilities. Its impact has extended to various fields, including the legal and criminal domains. Despite the benefits that artificial intelligence can provide in combating crime, analyzing evidence, and predicting criminal patterns, it has also created new forms of crime and raised legal issues concerning criminal liability and the establishment of criminal offenses. First: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Development of Crime Artificial intelligence technologies can be used to commit various crimes, including electronic fraud, identity theft, system hacking, the production of fabricated content, and deepfakes, in addition to developing methods of cyberattacks. The danger of such crimes lies in their speed of execution, wide scope, and the difficulty of identifying the perpetrator in some cases. Furthermore, the ability of artificial intelligence to generate highly realistic images, voices, and videos may lead to misleading victims or damaging their reputations, thereby creating new challenges for traditional criminal law. Second: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Criminal Liability One of the most important issues raised by artificial intelligence is determining the individual who bears criminal responsibility for harmful acts resulting from the use of an intelligent system. In principle, criminal liability is attributed to a person who possesses the will and awareness necessary to commit a crime. Accordingly, artificial intelligence cannot currently be treated as a person independently liable under criminal law. Instead, liability is examined with respect to the individuals who developed, operated, or used the system, depending on the circumstances of each case and the extent to which criminal intent or negligence can be established. This highlights the need for legislation to develop clearer rules for determining the liability of users, developers, and operators, particularly when the consequences produced by an intelligent system are difficult to predict. Third: Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Criminal Evidence Artificial intelligence can play a positive role in criminal investigations by analyzing large amounts of data, identifying patterns, analyzing images and recordings, and assisting in the detection of cybercrimes. However, reliance on evidence generated or analyzed by artificial intelligence raises an important question concerning its evidentiary value before the courts. Judges must verify the source of the evidence, ensure that it was lawfully obtained, and confirm that it has not been manipulated, particularly given the ability to create fabricated content that may be difficult to distinguish from authentic material. Therefore, digital evidence generated through artificial intelligence should be subject to precise standards concerning legality, integrity, authenticity, and the ability to verify its source and method of production. Fourth: Challenges Facing Criminal Law The rapid development of artificial intelligence represents a significant challenge for legislators, as some traditional criminal laws were enacted before the emergence of these technologies. This may create a gap between technological development and existing legal provisions. Among the most significant challenges are the difficulty of identifying the perpetrator, determining criminal intent, establishing the relationship between human conduct and the outcome produced by an intelligent system, as well as the cross-border nature of technology-related crimes. Consequently, there is a growing need to update criminal legislation and establish specialized legal rules that correspond to crimes involving artificial intelligence, while maintaining a balance between combating crime and protecting individual rights and freedoms. Conclusion It is evident that artificial intelligence represents a double-edged tool in the criminal field. On the one hand, it can serve as an effective means of preventing and detecting crime and analyzing criminal evidence. On the other hand, it can be used to commit new crimes or develop methods of traditional criminal activity. Therefore, addressing these challenges does not require prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence. Rather, it requires regulating its use through legislation, determining criminal liability arising from its application, developing evidentiary rules in accordance with modern digital evidence, and strengthening international cooperation to combat cross-border cybercrimes. Key Findings Artificial intelligence has contributed to the emergence of new forms of criminal behavior and the development of certain traditional crimes. Determining criminal liability for acts resulting from intelligent systems remains one of the most significant legal challenges. Artificial intelligence can serve as an important tool in combating crime and analyzing criminal evidence. Deepfakes and synthetic content pose significant challenges to the evidentiary value of digital evidence. Criminal legislation needs to keep pace with technological developments and establish clearer rules concerning liability and evidence. Key Recommendations Update criminal legislation to address crimes associated with artificial intelligence. Establish legal safeguards governing the use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations and evidence. Determine the legal liability of users, developers, and operators according to their respective roles in causing the criminal act. Strengthen international cooperation in combating crimes involving artificial intelligence technologies. Train judges, public prosecutors, and investigators in dealing with evidence and technologies based on artificial intelligence. Almustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq