AI Law - International Review of Artificial Intelligence Law
G. Giappichelli Editore

24/06/2024 - The Legal Implications of Generative AI in Courtrooms (USA)

argument: Notizie/News - AI in Judicial Activities

According to an article on The Daily Record, the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) into courtroom settings is rapidly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the legal profession. The article discusses how GenAI technologies, such as large language models (LLMs), are being used for tasks ranging from document review and case law analysis to drafting legal documents and predictive analytics. Despite their potential, these technologies also pose significant risks, particularly concerning accuracy, data privacy, and ethical considerations.

Experts note that while GenAI can enhance efficiency and accessibility in legal services, its deployment must be carefully managed to avoid issues like "hallucinations" where AI generates incorrect or fictitious information. For example, a study from Stanford highlighted that LLMs can produce errors in legal contexts at a high rate, leading to potential misinformation in legal briefs and arguments​​.

Data security and confidentiality remain paramount concerns. Legal practitioners are wary of using GenAI tools due to the sensitive nature of legal data and the risk of breaches. Solutions tailored specifically for legal use, which incorporate robust privacy safeguards, are preferred over general-purpose tools like ChatGPT​.

Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI applications within the legal field. Legal experts should supervise AI outputs to ensure their reliability and relevance, integrating these technologies as supportive tools rather than replacements for human judgment​.