Lawyer Used ChatGPT, Cited Fake Witnesses in Murder Appeal
A New Mexico attorney admitted to using ChatGPT to draft legal briefs in a high-profile murder appeal, leading to invented witnesses and fabricated testimony in court documents. The state Supreme Court caught the errors—attributing them to the lawyer's 'stupidity'—and issued a direct contempt order. The lawyer said he assumed ChatGPT would be accurate, having heard of its use in other professions. Judges criticized the growing trend of lawyers relying on faulty AI outputs.
- Attorney used ChatGPT for legal briefs in murder appeal
- AI invented witnesses and fake testimony cited in court
- New Mexico Supreme Court spotted and condemned the issue
- Direct contempt order issued for attorney's actions
- Judges highlighted pattern of AI misuse among lawyers
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