A recent case in a New York appeals court highlighted the growing influence of technology in the judicial system.
Use of AI Avatar in Court
In late March 2023, defendant Jerome Dewald presented an AI-generated avatar to deliver his legal arguments via video during an employment dispute hearing.
Court's Reaction to the Presentation
Judge Sallie Manzanet-Daniels halted the video shortly after it began, inquiring whether the avatar was the counsel for the case. Dewald explained he generated it himself and that it was not a real person. The judge expressed displeasure, noting that the defendant had previously appeared in court and been able to testify verbally.
Impact of AI on Legal Practice
The incident underscores the growing challenges as AI enters the legal arena. In 2023, a lawyer faced backlash for citing fake cases generated by ChatGPT in a legal brief, which raised important ethical issues regarding the use of AI in the justice system.
Despite the innovative nature of using artificial intelligence, such incidents raise significant questions about the application of technology in judicial processes.
