A.I. at Court: How Attorneys & Judges Can Use Artificial Intelligence

Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Scott Schlegel has some advice for his colleagues who are nervous about using AI in their courthouses.

“This is just another technological revolution inside the justice system,” Schlegel said. “We’ve been here before, and we’re going to get through it. Start learning how to use the tools.”

Judge Schlegel gave the opening plenary address at the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Annual Meeting and Conference in Green Bay on June 19.

Schlegel, a former trial court judge, pointed out that the justice system has used other forms of technology, like websites, for years.

“We’ve been trying to find ways to modernize the justice system for many, many years,” Schlegel said.

He cited his use of an online calendaring system to schedule initial appearances, instead of continuing with the “cattle call” practice of scheduling multiple appearances for 9 a.m. on the same day.

Judge Schlegel has written and spoken widely about the use of AI in the justice system.

He said the new technology offers many benefits to judges, including educating litigants and jurors about the system by updating court system handbooks that date back to the 1980s.

“Why are we not taking these old PDFs, using generative AI to clean them up and improve the language, and then creating videos …. to explain the process?” Schlegel said. “I’m talking about walking people through the system.”

It’s not all moonlight and roses, however. Judge Schlegel acknowledged that certain forms of AI allow users to easily alter – and in some cases create – images and sound files.

“The photographic evidence and the audio evidence today scares the heck out of me as a former trial court judge,” Schlegel said.

He said attorneys must be aware of their ethical obligation when assessing evidence provided by clients.

“Lawyers have to function as gatekeepers, as well as courts,” Schlege said.

_____________
Connect with Us:
🔔Subscribe to our YouTube:    / @statebarofwi  
👍FACEBOOK:   / statebarofwi  
🤝LINKEDIN:   / state-bar-of-wisconsin  
📸INSTAGRAM:   / statebarofwi  
📣X / TWITTER:   / statebarofwi  
💻WEBSITE: www.wisbar.org
_____________
👋About the State Bar of Wisconsin:
We are a professional association for Wisconsin lawyers, providing educational, career development, and other services to over 25,000 members. Our mission is to improve the administration of justice and the delivery of legal services and to promote the professional interests of Wisconsin lawyers. We also provide public services, including attorney referrals, public education, and reduced-fee legal assistance for low-income state residents.
_____________
Need CLE?
🧠Find continuing legal education seminars, events, legal research books, forms, and more at https://marketplace.wisbar.org/
_____________
⭐Become an Influencer in the Legal Community
Contribute to a State Bar publication, video, or event. Learn more at www.wisbar.org/contribute
_____________
Disclaimer:
This video is for general informational purposes only. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the law, information presented here may be outdated. The State Bar of Wisconsin is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of this material. Statements or expressions of opinion here are not necessarily those of the State Bar of Wisconsin, its members, sponsors, or staff.
_____________
#wisconsinlawyer #wisconsinlaw #wisbar