A top judge in the United Kingdom has sounded the alarm after lawyers were caught using fake legal cases generated by artificial intelligence (AI) in court. High Court Justice Victoria Sharp warned that relying on AI without proper checks can seriously harm the justice system and public trust.
In two recent cases, lawyers submitted legal arguments that included references to court cases that didn’t actually exist. In one case involving a $120 million lawsuit over an alleged breach of a financing agreement with the Qatar National Bank, a lawyer cited 18 non-existent cases. The client, Hamad Al-Haroun, apologized for unintentionally misleading the court with false information produced by publicly available AI tools. However, Justice Sharp found it “extraordinary” that the lawyer was relying on the client for legal research.
In another incident, a lawyer cited five fake cases in a tenant’s housing claim against the London Borough of Haringey. While the lawyer denied using AI, Justice Sharp noted that she hadn’t provided a clear explanation for what happened.
Both lawyers have been referred to professional regulators for their actions. Justice Sharp emphasized that submitting false information to the court could be considered contempt of court or, in extreme cases, perverting the course of justice—a serious offense that can lead to life imprisonment.
“AI is a powerful technology and a useful tool for the law,” Justice Sharp acknowledged. “But it carries risks as well as opportunities. Its use must take place with an appropriate degree of oversight and within a regulatory framework that ensures compliance with professional and ethical standards if public confidence in the administration of justice is to be maintained.”
This incident highlights the challenges courts around the world are facing as AI becomes more prevalent in legal proceedings. Lawyers and other professionals are reminded to verify any information produced by AI tools before presenting it in court.
