Source: JD Supra

The JD Supra article reports that the Illinois Supreme Court has issued new guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in legal proceedings. This policy aims to address concerns about AI-generated legal documents, AI-assisted decision-making, and the ethical use of AI by lawyers and judges.

One of the key provisions of the policy is the requirement that attorneys must disclose when they use AI tools in legal filings. This transparency measure is designed to prevent issues like AI-generated misinformation, fabricated case law, or biased AI-assisted legal arguments.

The policy also restricts the use of AI-generated evidence unless its reliability can be verified. Judges must consider AI’s potential for bias and inaccuracies before accepting AI-generated content in trials, particularly in criminal cases where AI-powered forensic analysis or predictive policing may be involved.

The Illinois Supreme Court further emphasized that AI should remain a legal research and administrative tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. Lawyers are still responsible for ensuring that AI-assisted arguments comply with legal standards and ethical rules.

Legal experts view this decision as a significant step in regulating AI’s role in judicial activities. Illinois’ policy could serve as a model for other US states as courts nationwide grapple with the implications of AI in litigation.

The article concludes with predictions that similar AI regulations may soon be implemented at the federal level, given the increasing reliance on AI in law and the potential risks of AI-driven errors in the justice system.