New Mexico: $5,000 Fine for an AI Thesis

The New Mexico Supreme Court has fined attorney Stephen Aarons $5,000 and found him in contempt for submitting an appeal brief written with AI that was filled with false elements. This case comes as incidents involving fabricated citations or testimonies generated by AI models are increasing in courts.

AI-related incidents noted by several courts

Multiple courts are noticing a rise in cases containing references fabricated by AI systems. Last year, a judge criticized two law firms for submitting a brief that included numerous inaccurate and misleading legal citations, and attorneys for Mike Lindell (MyPillow) were also sanctioned for including erroneous AI-generated citations in a brief. In this context, Judge C. Shannon Bacon emphasized that issues related to AI hallucinations are raised daily, urging attorneys to remain vigilant. Furthermore, the use of AI tools by legal professionals is on the rise, increasing exposure to these risks.

New Mexico Supreme Court imposes $5,000 fine and holds contempt

In a filing made on Wednesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court fined Stephen Aarons $5,000 and found him in contempt. The court criticized the attorney for submitting, in an appeal regarding his client's murder conviction, an AI-generated brief without verifying the factual claims and legal references.

A brief containing invented witnesses and admission of using ChatGPT

According to the court, the brief contained testimonies from entirely invented witnesses and fabricated police depositions. It also included erroneous claims about the clothing and appearance of the shooter. During a hearing in August, Judge C. Shannon Bacon questioned Stephen Aarons about his lack of vigilance regarding the risks of AI. The attorney admitted to using ChatGPT, believing he would obtain an infallible summary of the trial. He expressed remorse and hopes that the disciplinary council will consider it an honest mistake.