US Supreme Court Chief Justice urges caution as AI transforms legal landscape

In the year-end report published on December 31, 2023, Chief Justice John Roberts of the US Supreme Court addressed the transformative influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the legal profession, describing it as a “mixed blessing.” While acknowledging AI’s potential to enhance access to justice, revolutionise legal research, and expedite case resolution, Roberts urged “caution and humility” in navigating the evolving technology.

In the 13-page report, Roberts expressed an ambivalent stance, emphasising the positive aspects of AI like increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the legal system. However, he also highlighted concerns regarding privacy and the current limitations of AI in replicating human discretion.

“I predict that human judges will be around for a while,” wrote Roberts, adding that AI is likely to significantly impact judicial work, especially at the trial level. The Chief Justice’s commentary marks his most substantial discussion to date on the subject of AI’s influence on the legal field.

Roberts underscored the need for careful consideration when implementing AI, citing instances where AI-generated “hallucinations” led to the inclusion of non-existent cases in court papers. He cautioned against relying on such misinformation, citing recent headlines where AI-induced errors were made in legal documents.

The report coincides with lower courts grappling with the integration of AI technology, which, while capable of passing the bar exam, is also susceptible to generating fictitious content, commonly known as “hallucinations.” Roberts concluded that while AI holds promise for the legal system, a measured and cautious approach is essential in its implementation.