Jerome Dewald, a 74-year-old man representing himself in a legal dispute with a former employer, used artificial intelligence software to create a digital avatar for a video presentation in front of a panel of New York State judges. The judges, caught off guard by the virtual image, reprimanded Dewald for not disclosing that the person in the video was not real. Despite his embarrassment, Dewald explained that he turned to AI to make his arguments more efficiently and alleviate the pressure he felt in the courtroom due to previous speech difficulties. The court hearing, which was filmed by court system cameras, highlighted the increasing presence of AI in the legal system in potentially misleading ways.
Experts warn of the risks associated with using AI in legal proceedings, as demonstrated by cases where lawyers have been penalized for submitting briefs with fake citations generated by AI programs. While AI can be a valuable tool for individuals without access to legal representation, like Dewald, there is a need for transparency and proper disclosure to prevent deception in the legal system. Daniel Shin, from the Center for Legal and Court Technology, emphasized the importance of addressing the risks of AI’s ability to create compelling yet false information.
Dewald, who eventually made an oral argument at the appellate hearing with frequent pauses and stammering, expressed regret for inadvertently misleading the court with his AI-generated avatar. While his case sheds light on the pitfalls of using AI in legal settings, it also serves as a reminder of the ethical considerations and transparency needed when incorporating technology into the legal process.
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Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
