LA County Courts Pilot AI to Help Judges Craft Rulings

Los Angeles County courts are piloting an AI program called Learned Hand to assist judges in civil court cases. The tool is designed to summarize legal motions and draft tentative rulings, aiming to alleviate workload pressures. While proponents emphasize the potential for increased efficiency and reduced case backlogs, concerns have been raised regarding potential errors and the erosion of public trust in the legal system. Court officials state that all AI-assisted rulings will undergo independent review before publication, and that the AI is intended to support, not replace, the judge's independent role. Learned Hand is already in use in 10 states, including the Michigan Supreme Court. The company behind the tool describes it as a 'judicial sous chef,' highlighting its supportive role. The increasing number of self-represented litigants, fueled by public access to AI models like ChatGPT, is cited as a reason for the urgency in adopting such tools. Critics, including L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman, express concerns about using AI to generate rulings, while acknowledging its potential for repetitive tasks like assessing motions for summary judgment. The pilot program occurs amid a shortage of court reporters, raising concerns about maintaining accurate records of proceedings.

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