Jerome Dewald, founder of AI startup Pro Se Pro, caused controversy during a court hearing in New York when he used an AI-generated avatar to present part of his argument in an employment dispute. Dewald, who was representing himself (pro se), claimed he used the avatar because his past throat cancer made extended speaking difficult. However, he failed to warn the court that his video presentation would feature an artificially generated person, leading to a sharp rebuke from Judge Sallie Manzanet-Daniels.
Dewald used a default avatar from the AI service Tavus after unsuccessful attempts to create a digital replica of himself. The judge accused him of misleading the court and warned him not to use the courtroom to promote his business. Dewald insisted he had permission to present a video, though not specifically for an AI avatar.
Dewald’s startup, which aims to help self-represented litigants navigate the legal system, has struggled due to a lack of funding and outdated technology. He defended the responsible use of AI in court, arguing that it can empower unrepresented litigants. He acknowledged he should have been more transparent and had filed an apology with the court. The incident highlights ongoing judicial scepticism toward AI in legal proceedings and the importance of full disclosure when using AI tools in court.
Source: The Register
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