Attorney AI use
In re Baby Boy & A.H.
Court-appointed counsel cited eight nonexistent cases and then inaccurately claimed that some of them were valid.
Fees disgorged; bar referral01
Case background
Material facts
AI-assisted appellate work in a parental-rights case included eight invented authorities. Counsel’s response to the court did not accurately correct the record.
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The decision
The court’s ruling
The court affirmed the termination judgment but ordered disgorgement of $6,925.62 in appointed-counsel fees, imposed a $1,000 fine, and referred the matter to disciplinary authorities.
Why it matters
What the decision means
High-stakes representation demands especially careful source control. A merits loss does not erase the court’s concern about the reliability of appointed counsel’s work.
Primary reading