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2w ago

AI Avatar Use in Courtroom Halted as Judge Reaffirms Need for Human Advocacy

Jerome Dewald's attempt to present legal arguments through an AI-generated avatar in a New York court was stopped by the judge, reigniting discussions on AI's role in legal settings.

A scene from the court where an elderly man tried using an AI avatar to present his case.
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AI model next to court room hammer
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Overview

  • On March 26, 2025, Jerome Dewald used an AI-generated avatar to deliver his opening argument in an employment dispute before the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division.
  • Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels interrupted the presentation immediately, expressing disapproval and stating that Dewald had misled the court about his intentions.
  • Dewald explained that his decision stemmed from difficulties with public speaking and admitted to using a generic avatar created by a San Francisco tech company after time constraints prevented a custom one.
  • The incident has prompted debates over the ethical and practical boundaries of AI in legal proceedings, with legal experts emphasizing the importance of human interaction in courtroom advocacy.
  • Judicial authorities have underscored that while AI tools can assist in legal processes, they cannot replace the dynamic and responsive nature of human representation in court.