Student app uses AI to explain the justice system
A New App Aims to Bridge the Gap Between Justice and Accessibility
In Greensboro, North Carolina, Danielle Bunker is on the verge of bringing her innovative app, Hey Justice, from concept to reality. As a political science junior at North Carolina A&T State University and an aspiring lawyer, Bunker has been driven by a desire to use technology to address social justice issues.
“I was inspired during the NAACP National Convention in July 2025,” she said. “They were discussing how AI can be used for social justice and how we need to approach it in a unique way.”
This experience sparked Bunker’s idea for Hey Justice, an app designed to simplify navigating the legal system. The app aims to bridge the gap between justice and accessibility by making legal documents more understandable for users.
How Hey Justice Works
The core functionality of Hey Justice involves scanning legal documents and using AI to transcribe them into different languages. These include Standard American English, Spanish, and Ebonics. Bunker explained that many people of color, especially African Americans, often struggle with understanding legal documents because they are not culturally fluent or familiar with the language used.
“Legal documents may be in English, but they’re not always in a form that people understand,” she said. “We want to ensure that everyone can comprehend their legal rights and obligations.”
In addition to document transcription, Hey Justice offers features such as tracking court dates and capturing real-time interactions with law enforcement. The app includes live video and audio recording capabilities, allowing family members to receive notifications about the user's location. It also uses AI to transcribe conversations and identify any discrepancies in what is happening.
Building a Team and Securing Funding
Bunker launched Hey Justice alongside her brother, David Bunker, who holds a degree in cybersecurity and information technology. Together, they have built a team consisting of two software developers and a social media strategist. Their efforts have focused on securing funding and refining the app’s features.
The company recently received significant financial support, winning $2,500 from Tech on the Yard and $20,000 from Black Ambition. This nonprofit organization supports entrepreneurship led by musician Pharrell Williams.
“Being on stage with innovators, entrepreneurs, doctors, and lawyers was inspiring,” Bunker said. “It made me realize that I want to make an impact in this space.”
Support from the Community
Bunker credits the support from her Aggie community for her success. She mentioned that many people at North Carolina A&T have provided mentorship, advice, and even funding. “It’s like a village,” she said. “I’m just an ordinary girl who acted on my idea, and because of that, I’m standing here today.”
Bunker hails from Burlington and is excited about the upcoming launch of Hey Justice in the spring. Her vision is to create a tool that empowers individuals to navigate the legal system with confidence and clarity.
Looking Ahead
As Bunker continues to develop Hey Justice, she remains focused on its mission: to make the legal system more accessible and equitable for all. With the support of her team, community, and recent funding, she is well on her way to turning her vision into a reality.