Source: Supreme Court of Victoria

A Practice Note for Court users and Judicial Guidelines for Judicial Officers set rules on the permitted use of artificial intelligence in court processes. The documents recognise AI’s potential to enhance access to justice while identifying risks and prescribing steps court users must take to ensure documents are complete, accurate and relevant. Court users remain responsible for the content of their filings whether or not AI was used, and the Practice Note warns that filing documents containing inaccuracies could result in costs orders. Privacy considerations for different AI tools are outlined and the Practice Note cautions that legal practitioners who rely on unverified AI outputs may face potential sanctions.

The Judicial Guidelines make clear that generative AI must not be used for judicial decision-making, although Court-approved AI tools may assist Judicial Officers and Court staff. Permissible supportive uses listed include organising and locating case materials, producing summaries and chronologies from case materials, assisting with legal research and proofreading. The documents stress these supports do not substitute for reading or listening to evidence, fact-finding, or judicial reasoning when required. The release follows earlier 2024 AI guidance and was drafted after the Review conducted by the Victorian Law Reform Commission; Chief Justice Richard Niall said the measures aim to mitigate actual and perceived AI risks while preserving impartiality, privacy, accountability and fairness. Links to the full Practice Note, Judicial Guidelines and a podcast with the Chief Justice are provided; the notice was published on 14 May 2026.