Chief Justice John Roberts has expressed both caution and optimism about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the federal courts. In his annual report, Roberts acknowledged that AI has the potential to improve access to the courts for those with limited resources. However, he also highlighted the risks and shortcomings of relying on AI-generated content in the legal profession. Roberts emphasized the importance of caution and humility in the use of AI, warning that it should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for human judges. The chief justice compared the precision and lack of discretion in AI technology used in tennis tournaments to the gray areas and human judgment required in legal determinations. Despite acknowledging the potential impact of AI on judicial work, Roberts predicted that human judges will remain in the courts for the foreseeable future. The report comes at a time when questions about ethics and controversies surrounding the Supreme Court are being raised. It also raises concerns about the use of AI-generated fake legal citations that recently made their way into official court records. Roberts’ balanced perspective on AI highlights the need for cautious and informed implementation of technology in the legal system.
