A recent courtroom drama in Singapore has shown the potential pitfalls of using artificial intelligence in sensitive legal matters. A father, seeking a personal protection order (PPO) against his ex-wife, submitted documents with citations generated by ChatGPT—citing 14 non-existent cases. The family court, led by Magistrate Soh Kian Peng, highlighted the importance of accuracy when using AI in legal submissions.
Background of the Dispute
The case revolves around ongoing tensions following the divorce between the couple, with both parties seeking protective measures regarding their two daughters. The magistrate noted that both parents had their own perspectives on the access arrangements, with the mother feeling threatened by the father’s behaviour during visitation.
Misuse of AI in Legal Submissions
- The father claimed he used AI to find relevant legal precedents, but did not verify their existence.
- None of the cited cases were authentic, a critical misstep in his application.
- According to Magistrate Soh, this type of error can disrupt the integrity of the legal process.
The Court’s Findings
After reviewing CCTV footage of the incidents, the magistrate concluded that both parents were engaged in a