Guidelines for use of generative artificial intelligence in Courts and Tribunals

Judges, Judicial Officers, Tribunal Members and Judicial Support staff

These guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots (such as ChatGPT, Bing Chat or Google Bard) have been developed to assist judges, judicial officers, tribunal members and judicial support staff who may wish to use such tools in the course of their work.
Any use of GenAI chatbots or other generative AI tools by the judiciary and judicial staff must be consistent with the judiciary’s overarching obligation to protect the integrity of the administration of justice and court/tribunal processes. The key risks inherent in GenAI chatbots, and some suggestions for mitigating them are set out below.
This guidance applies to all judges, judicial officers and members of the courts and tribunals listed on page 9, and to their support staff (including associates, personal assistants, clerks and legal research counsel). Examples of potential uses and a set of FAQs are included on pages 5-8.

Judges, Judicial Officers, Tribunal Members and Judicial Support Staff - 7 December 2023 (PDF, 574 KB)

Lawyers

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) (incl. chatbots such as ChatGPT, Bing Chat or Google Bard) in the Aotearoa New Zealand legal context is increasing. The judiciary has overall responsibility for the integrity of the administration of justice and court processes. It has developed these guidelines for the use of GenAI chatbots to assist lawyers who represent clients in court and tribunal proceedings. This guidance applies in relation to the courts and tribunals listed on page 7.
The guidelines remind lawyers that their existing professional obligations apply to the use of these new technologies. They ask lawyers to exercise caution when using GenAI chatbots because of their risks and limitations. They include practical suggestions for minimising the risks and to assist lawyers in complying with their professional obligations when using GenAI chatbots.

Lawyers -7 December 2023 (PDF, 503 KB)

Non-lawyers

These guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots (such as ChatGPT, Bing Chat or Google Bard) in court/tribunal proceedings have been developed to assist non-lawyers (including self-represented litigants, McKenzie friends and lay advocates) who represent themselves or others.

This guidance applies in relation to the courts and tribunals listed on page 6.

Non-lawyers - 7 December 2023 (PDF, 489 KB)