Judge berates AI entrepreneur for using a generated ‘lawyer’ in court

The Verge - Apr 10th, 2025
Open on The Verge

Jerome Dewald, a 74-year-old entrepreneur, attempted to use an AI-generated avatar to present his legal appeal in a New York courtroom, only to face stern criticism for not disclosing this to the judges. During an employment dispute hearing on March 26th, Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels interrupted the proceedings when an unfamiliar speaker appeared on screen, prompting Dewald to admit that the avatar was not a real person. This unexpected revelation led to a rebuke from the judge, who accused Dewald of misleading the court and attempting to use it as a platform for his business venture.

This incident adds to a growing list of issues arising from the integration of AI technology within legal settings. Earlier in 2023, two attorneys and a law firm faced penalties for submitting fabricated legal research generated by ChatGPT. Additionally, the company DoNotPay was fined by the FTC for false advertising claims about its AI's legal capabilities. These incidents highlight the challenges and ethical considerations in using AI for legal representation, emphasizing the need for transparency and clarity in its application within judicial processes.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a recent and intriguing incident involving the use of AI in a courtroom, providing a clear and accurate account of the events. It excels in timeliness and clarity, making the story accessible and relevant to ongoing discussions about technology's role in professional settings. However, the article could benefit from more balanced perspectives, enhanced transparency, and additional source quality to strengthen its credibility. While it touches on controversial issues, it lacks depth in exploring broader implications and expert viewpoints. Overall, the story is a solid piece of reporting with room for improvement in areas such as engagement and impact.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the key facts about Jerome Dewald's use of an AI-generated avatar in a courtroom, aligning well with verified sources. It correctly states that Dewald, a 74-year-old entrepreneur, submitted a video with an AI avatar for his legal appeal, which surprised the court. The article captures the judge's reaction and Dewald's justification for using the avatar due to speaking difficulties. However, it does not provide direct evidence or verification of Dewald's medical condition, which he claims necessitated the use of AI. Moreover, the story mentions previous incidents involving AI in legal settings, which are generally accurate but lack specific details about the outcomes or context of those cases.

7
Balance

The story primarily presents the perspective of the courtroom and Dewald, focusing on the immediate incident and the judge's reaction. While it mentions Dewald's justification for using the avatar, it lacks a broader range of viewpoints, such as expert opinions on the use of AI in legal settings or comments from legal professionals about the appropriateness of Dewald's actions. The article does not exhibit overt favoritism but could benefit from a more balanced presentation by including perspectives on the potential benefits and challenges of AI in the courtroom.

8
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow and straightforward language that makes it easy to understand. It effectively conveys the sequence of events and the reactions of those involved. The tone is neutral, focusing on reporting the facts without sensationalism. However, the story could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical terms or concepts, such as how AI avatars work, to enhance reader comprehension. Overall, the clarity of the article is strong, with minor areas for improvement.

6
Source quality

The story references The Register, a credible source, for background information on Dewald and his startup. However, it does not cite additional sources or provide direct quotes from other experts or legal authorities to corroborate the details. The reliance on a single source limits the depth and reliability of the article, as it does not explore other viewpoints or verify claims through multiple channels. Including more authoritative sources would enhance the report's credibility and depth.

5
Transparency

The article provides a straightforward account of the incident but lacks transparency regarding its information-gathering process. It does not clarify how the details were obtained or whether Dewald's claims, such as his medical condition, were independently verified. The absence of disclosed methodology or potential conflicts of interest reduces the transparency of the report. Providing more context about how the information was sourced and any limitations encountered would improve transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/09/court_scolds_ai_entrepreneur_avatar_testify/
  2. https://www.foxnews.com/us/ai-generated-attorney-outrages-judge-who-scolds-man-over-courtroom-fake-not-real-person
  3. https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/ny-state-court-judge-shuts-down-attempt-to-use-ai-avatar/489799
  4. https://people.com/man-uses-ai-video-court-judge-scolds-him-11711099
  5. https://www.fox5ny.com/news/ny-ai-generated-lawyer-courtroom