Chief Justice John Roberts has warned that courts will need to consider the proper use of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential dangers. In his annual report, Roberts predicted that AI will significantly affect judicial work, including how judges perform their duties and how they understand the role of AI in cases that come before them. While Roberts acknowledged the benefits of AI in providing accessible legal tools, he also stressed the need for caution and humility in its use. Roberts highlighted a case in which lawyers using an AI application submitted briefs with citations to non-existent cases. Although Roberts acknowledged the potential invasion of privacy and dehumanization that comes with AI, he also emphasized that machines cannot fully replace humans in the courts. The report marks Roberts’ most extensive public statement on AI to date and builds upon his previous comments about the impact of emerging technologies on the law.
