The Journal of Critical Analysis of Judicial Decisions

The Journal of Critical Analysis of Judicial Decisions

Lawyer's Professional Responsibility in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: An Analysis of Case No. 9209970907000279 of the First Branch of the Takestan General Legal Court

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD student in Jurisprudence and Private Law, Shahid Motahari University and High School, Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D. in Private Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Master's degree student,, Faculty of Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The entry of generative artificial intelligence into the legal services arena has created unprecedented challenges regarding professional responsibility and judicial ethics. This research examines these challenges from legal, psychological, and technological perspectives using a descriptive-analytical method and a case study of an innovative ruling issued by the First Branch of the Takestan General Court of Law. In this case, the lawyer’s reliance on a fake unanimous verdict generated by artificial intelligence was the basis for an in-depth analysis by the court. This article analyzes the praiseworthy formal structure of the verdict, as well as criticizes the judge’s substantive arguments and his “proactive” approach in the face of a legislative vacuum. The main findings of the research show that the lawyer’s error, in addition to professional negligence, is rooted in cognitive biases such as “automation bias” and the “Dunning-Kruger effect.” Accordingly, it is argued that the lawyer's responsibility in the digital age has shifted from a "commitment to finding information" to a "commitment to ensuring the accuracy of information" through careful verification. This research, with a forward-looking and solution-oriented perspective, presents a preventive framework at two levels: first, technological solutions such as the development of "specialized and explainable legal artificial intelligence" and second, legislative-institutional solutions including the reform of the codes of professional ethics of lawyers and the clarification of the civil liability of AI designers. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive analysis to contribute to the safe and responsible use of this technology in the pursuit of justice.
Keywords

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