Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has issued a warning that artificial intelligence (AI) could pose a threat to the judiciary. In his annual year-end report, Roberts focused on the promise and potential pitfalls of AI and highlighted that judges are not about to become irrelevant. However, he warned that technological changes brought about by AI will continue to transform the judicial system.
Roberts identified that AI has the potential to provide access to legal resources for low-income individuals, potentially creating equitable outcomes. The use of AI could also help to address resource imbalances and match urgent needs and available resources effectively. However, Roberts acknowledged that there are dangers associated with the use of AI without proper verification and the reliance on inaccurate or false data.
One of the issues highlighted by Roberts is “hallucination.” This refers to lawyers using AI tools to submit briefs with citations to non-existent cases, which can result in costly mistakes. Roberts warned about the dangers of relying on false information, emphasizing the importance of using vetted sources and authenticating information.
The chief justice’s year-end report did not address any of the controversial ethics issues that have arisen, including the federal indictments against former President Donald Trump and the 2024 election campaign. Instead, Roberts focused on the future of the judiciary, particularly in terms of how AI will impact the legal profession and the need to ensure the accuracy of AI-generated data.
Roberts’ report suggests that AI has the potential to change the face of the judiciary and ensure fairer outcomes. However, it is crucial that AI is developed and used responsibly to avoid inaccurate or biased decisions. The warning about “hallucination” is one example of the dangers associated with the unverified use of AI.
