Chief Justice John Roberts, in his year-end report for 2023, reflected on the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession. While he steered clear of commenting on the many controversies surrounding former President Donald Trump, Roberts instead focused on the impact of AI on the judicial system.
According to Roberts, AI has the potential to greatly affect the legal world, as it is being adopted by law firms, legal clients, and judges. This technology has the ability to improve access to crucial information for lawyers and non-lawyers alike but also raises concerns about privacy and dehumanization of the law.
Roberts acknowledged the challenges of utilizing AI in the legal field, referencing previous mistakes made by lawyers who had relied on AI for legal research. In one notable case, a lawyer used an AI chatbot to write a legal brief full of made-up court cases. This kind of error, Roberts stated, is always a bad idea and can lead to serious consequences.
The Chief Justice also touched on the complexities of using AI in law, noting that legal decisions often involve gray areas that still require human judgment. He predicted that human judges will continue to play a crucial role in the judicial process for years to come.
Roberts also highlighted the advancements in technology that the courts have adopted during the coronavirus pandemic, such as utilizing videoconferencing for hearings. He emphasized that these practices have led to increased efficiency and suggested that they could become permanent in the future.
Aside from AI, Roberts did not address any high-profile legal controversies, including those regarding former President Donald Trump. In his report, he chose to focus solely on the impact of technology on the judicial system rather than wade into politically charged issues.
While some may interpret his silence as a deliberate distancing from the previous administration, Roberts instead used his report to underscore the importance of keeping up with technological advancements in the legal profession.
As technology continues to play an increasingly significant role in the legal world, Roberts urged lawyers and judges to remain cautious and vigilant in their use of AI. He stressed the need for verification and fact-checking to avoid any potential errors that could have serious consequences for legal cases.
Roberts also highlighted the potential of AI to improve access to justice for all individuals but also warned of the dangers of relying solely on technology without human oversight. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between human judgment and technological advancements in the legal profession.
Additionally, the Chief Justice noted that the acceptance of AI in the legal profession will require careful consideration and deliberation by the legal community. Changes in the law and legal practices must be thoughtfully and ethically implemented to ensure fairness and justice for all individuals.
Roberts closed his report by expressing his confidence that human judges will continue to play a crucial role in the legal system for years to come. As technology continues to evolve and impact the legal profession, the Chief Justice urged the legal community to embrace these changes while remaining vigilant in upholding the core principles of justice and fairness.
