In a forward-looking move, Delaware’s Supreme Court has opened the door to artificial intelligence, but with strict boundaries. Judges and court staff in the state are now permitted to use AI in their work, though under a newly issued policy, they must handle the technology with caution.
This interim directive insists that any AI tools employed must first pass through the court’s administrative approval process. Additionally, court officials must maintain full responsibility for the accuracy of their work, never allowing AI to take over critical decision-making. Thorough training on AI use is also required.
Justice Karen Valihura, who co-chairs Delaware’s Commission on Law and Technology, highlighted the policy’s importance, stating that while AI offers potential benefits, it comes with inherent risks. “These guardrails are essential to protect the integrity of our judiciary,” she remarked.
Delaware’s move mirrors efforts in other states to grapple with AI’s role in the legal system. Recently, Georgia formed a committee to explore AI’s effects on its judiciary, following similar actions by courts across the nation.
