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Federal Judges Admit Staff Used AI in Error-Filled Orders, Pledge New Safeguards

Grassley’s release of their letters increases pressure on the judiciary to set stricter AI policies.

Overview

  • Letters released by Sen. Chuck Grassley confirm Judges Henry T. Wingate and Julien Xavier Neals linked recent erroneous orders to staff use of Perplexity and ChatGPT.
  • The faulty rulings were early drafts docketed without full review and were withdrawn after lawyers flagged factual inaccuracies, including misquotes and references to nonparties.
  • Neals says a law‑school intern used ChatGPT without authorization or disclosure, violating chambers and school policy, and he has imposed a written ban on AI use with multi‑level review.
  • Wingate says a law clerk used Perplexity as a drafting aid; he now requires an independent second review and printed copies of all cited cases attached to final drafts.
  • The Administrative Office has an advisory AI Task Force with interim guidance urging caution and possible disclosure, as Grassley presses for stronger, permanent judiciary‑wide rules.