The Illinois Supreme Court has released its new policy on generative AI use in courts, effective January 1, 2025. The policy takes a balanced approach – acknowledging AI’s potential while setting clear boundaries for its use.
Some notable elements of the policy:
- First, the policy opens with the phrase “Embracing the advancements of artificial intelligence” – signaling an intentionally forward-looking perspective. It explicitly states that AI use “should not be discouraged” when it complies with legal and ethical standards. The policy also specifies that disclosure of AI use should not be required in pleadings.
- Second, the policy maintains that judges and attorneys remain fully accountable for their work product, regardless of the technology used. The court recognizes that AI misuse could jeopardize due process or equal protection, warning that misleading AI-generated content that creates bias or interferes with truth-finding will not be tolerated. This balance between innovation and professional standards could serve as a model for other jurisdictions.
- Third, the policy emphasizes education, with the court committing to support ongoing training on emerging technologies. This aligns with the ABA’s guidance in Formal Opinion 512 on the importance of understanding AI capabilities and limitations.
For Wisconsin legal professionals watching these developments, it will be worth seeing how this policy works in practice as courts and practitioners navigate these new waters.
For additional analysis of the new Illinois Supreme Court policy, check out Bob Ambrogi’s LawSites.