NY judge upset that AI avatar used in court

# NY Judge Upset Over AI Avatar Used in Court: A Modern Legal Clash

In a surprising turn of events in a New York appeals court, a man’s attempt to use artificial intelligence to present his case was quickly shut down by an irritated judge. The incident highlights the growing tension between rapidly advancing technology and the traditional pace of the legal system.

## What Happened?

Jerome Dewalt, representing himself in an employment dispute, had received permission to play a video containing his arguments. What the court didn’t expect was that Dewalt would use an AI-generated avatar to make his case instead of appearing personally.

The judge immediately halted the presentation, stating: “It would have been nice to know that when you made your application. You are not going to use this courtroom as a launch for your business.”

Dewalt later explained he meant no harm – he simply wanted to present his case without his usual “mumbling or tripping over words.”

## Legal Analysis

According to legal analyst Khalif Rhodes, this incident represents the classic collision between fast-moving technology and the “glacier pace” of the legal system. While the judge had every right to shut down the presentation, Rhodes points out a potential issue with the decision:

“This could be problematic on the judge’s part because of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Rhodes explained. Dewalt reportedly had cancer and throat problems that make extended speaking difficult. The judge’s comment that Dewalt had “appeared before this court and been able to testify verbally in the past” might be problematic, as Rhodes notes, “you can’t dictate the disability… the law requires you to make reasonable accommodations.”

## The Future of AI in Courtrooms

This case highlights the inevitable friction as AI technology pushes into traditional spaces. While courts have already rejected AI in some contexts (such as when it incorrectly cited non-existent cases), there are signs of change on the horizon.

In countries like India, judges are already using AI to help develop their legal reasoning. Rhodes predicts that American courts will eventually incorporate some form of AI, but with “a human fingerprint” still clearly visible in the process.

As our court systems slowly transition to electronic filing and documentation, the bigger question remains: how will our legal institutions adapt to increasingly sophisticated AI tools that might actually enhance access to justice?