The High Court of England and Wales has issued a warning regarding the use of AI in legal practices. Lawyers who misuse AI tools like ChatGPT by submitting fabricated legal citations or generating false evidence could face severe penalties. These penalties range from public admonishment and contempt of court to potential criminal charges, including imprisonment for perverting the course of justice.
The court's ruling highlights that AI tools are not reliable for legal research due to their tendency to produce incorrect or fabricated information. The Law Society and the Bar Council are urged to take immediate action to ensure lawyers understand their ethical obligations when using AI. This intervention follows several cases where AI-generated content led to the presentation of non-existent case law and bogus quotes in court, raising concerns about the integrity of the justice system.
Justice Victoria Sharp emphasised that AI is a powerful technology with risks and opportunities. Its use requires appropriate oversight and a regulatory framework to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. The ruling serves as a reminder of the significant risks associated with AI misuse and the importance of rigorous verification by legal professionals.
