The Georgia Supreme Court is taking steps to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in courtrooms, driven by concerns over potential misuse and the rapidly evolving nature of the technology. A panel led by Justice Andrew A. Pinson has released recommendations outlining acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in courts. Acceptable uses include research and scheduling, while unacceptable uses include jury selection and "black box" sentencing algorithms. Areas requiring further study and testing include language translation and sentencing and risk assessments.
The need for regulation is underscored by instances of lawyers misusing AI, such as writing briefs with fake citations. The use of AI-generated evidence, like deepfakes, also raises concerns about authenticity and potential manipulation. To address these challenges, the Georgia Supreme Court proposes a three-year process to adapt to AI, including community engagement, process reviews, education, and training. Establishing leadership and governance structures to ensure AI competence and proficiency among lawyers is also crucial.
The court is also developing new policies and processes to address AI-related issues. This initiative is part of a broader trend, with other states like Delaware introducing regulations governing AI use in courts. While AI has the potential to improve court administration, data security, and access to justice, it also poses risks such as bias and confidentiality concerns. By establishing clear guidelines and regulations, the Georgia Supreme Court aims to harness the benefits of AI while minimizing its risks.
