Some lawyers in London are learning the hard way that artificial intelligence can land them in hot water.
On Friday, London’s High Court issued a stern warning about the dangers of relying on AI for legal research, after discovering that lawyers had cited nonexistent cases in their arguments. Judge Victoria Sharp called out lawyers in two separate cases who had relied on AI tools that generated fake case law, saying this kind of misuse could erode trust in the justice system.
She emphasized that both legal regulators and firm leaders have a pressing duty to educate and guide those in the profession on their ethical obligations when using AI. Regulators and industry leaders are being challenged to step up, ensuring everyone is clear about the boundaries and responsibilities.
According to the judge’s written ruling, the improper use of AI in the legal sphere raises serious concerns for both justice and public trust. If lawyers submit made up cases to court, they risk breaching their fundamental duty not to mislead, which could even rise to contempt charges.
AI in the Courtroom: Judge Issues a Strong Warning
In the most flagrant situations, attempting to meddle with justice by deliberately providing false information could be treated as a criminal act. That action aligns with the common law offense of attempting to pervert the course of justice, something the court does not take lightly.
The ruling reflects a wider trend seen across the global legal landscape, where lawyers have come under fire for referencing AI-generated material that turned out to be imaginary. These incidents have become more frequent as ChatGPT and similar generative AI tools have made their way into everyday practice.
Judge Sharp pointed to the many guidelines already issued by legal regulators and the judiciary about AI usage, but expressed concern that written guidance alone isn’t enough to fully prevent misuse. Practical, effective measures are needed quickly, particularly from those in leadership roles, to address the ongoing challenges created by rapid technological adoption.
The legal profession, already grappling with sweeping digital changes, must now face the tough realities of policing itself as AI continues to shape how work gets done.
