A New York judge has berated an AI entrepreneur for using an artificially generated avatar to present his oral argument in court, highlighting the growing concerns about the use of AI in legal proceedings. Jerome Dewald, a 74-year-old entrepreneur behind a startup that claims to be "revolutionizing legal self-representation with AI," was scolded by Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels during an employment dispute hearing on March 26th.

The controversy arose when Dewald submitted a video featuring an AI-generated avatar, named Jim, to present his oral argument. The court had approved Dewald to submit a video due to his difficulties with extended speaking, but was unaware that the contents were artificially generated. Justice Manzanet-Daniels interrupted the video, asking if the speaker was counsel for the case, only to be told by Dewald that he had generated the avatar using an AI avatar company called Tavus.

The judge was unimpressed, stating that it would have been nice to know about the AI-generated avatar when Dewald made his application and that she didn't appreciate being misled. "You are not going to use this courtroom as a launch for your business," she said. This incident is the latest in a series of snafus involving the use of AI technology in legal processes.

In 2023, two attorneys and a law firm were penalized for submitting fictitious legal research generated by ChatGPT. Additionally, DoNotPay, a "robot lawyer" company, was ordered to pay the FTC a $193,000 settlement in February for advertising its AI legal representation as being as good as a real human lawyer without evidence. These incidents raise concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology in legal proceedings and the need for clearer guidelines on its use.

The use of AI-generated avatars in court raises questions about the authenticity and credibility of legal arguments. While AI technology can be useful in certain contexts, its use in legal proceedings requires careful consideration and transparency. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential for the legal community to establish clear guidelines and protocols for its use to ensure fairness and justice.

This incident also highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of AI technology among legal professionals and the judiciary. As AI technology becomes more prevalent, it is crucial for the legal community to stay informed about its capabilities and limitations to ensure that it is used in a responsible and ethical manner.

In conclusion, the incident involving Jerome Dewald and his AI-generated avatar serves as a wake-up call for the legal community to address the implications of AI technology in legal proceedings. As AI technology continues to advance, it is essential for the legal community to establish clear guidelines and protocols for its use to ensure fairness, justice, and transparency.