E.D. Tex. Federal District Court Introduces Groundbreaking Rules for AI Use in Legal Proceedings
Effective Dec. 1, 2023, the General Order 23-11 introduces the new Local Rule CV-11(g), cautioning litigants about the accuracy and quality of legal documents produced using technology such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, Bing AI Chat, or generative artificial intelligence services. Litigants are reminded of the possibility of factually or legally inaccurate content and are bound by the requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 to review and verify computer-generated content to ensure compliance with standards. The amendment aims to alert ‘pro se’ litigants to the risks associated with employing technology for legal documents and emphasizes the need to comply with certification requirements.
The rule also adds Local Rule AT-3(m) to remind lawyers of their duty to exercise independent legal judgment despite employing technology such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, Bing AI Chat, or generative artificial intelligence services to represent a client. The amendment emphasizes that technology can be helpful but should not replace abstract thought and problem-solving in legal practice. Despite the availability of technological tools, lawyers are reminded of their continuing duties under applicable rules of practice when providing legal services.
The article discusses the addition of new rules in the Federal District Court (E.D. Tex.) to address the use of AI by lawyers and self-represented litigants, reflecting the ongoing integration of technology into legal practice.