Michael Cohen confesses to unintentionally submitting fraudulent, AI-generated case citations
OAN’s Michaelangelo Hernandez
5:15 PM – Friday, December 29, 2023
Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen was caught red handed and admitted to giving his lawyer AI generated legal citations he obtained by using Google Bard while filing to have his probation shortened.
In court filings unsealed on Friday, Cohen admitted to using the AI program after the court threatened to sanction his counsel, David Schwartz, upon finding out the cases referenced in his request files did not exist.
Cohen said he had not kept up with “emerging trends” and the risks that come with using AI software. He added that he trusted his lawyer to “vet” any suggestions he made prior to filing.
“As a non-lawyer, I have not kept up with emerging trends (and related risks) in legal technology and did not realize that Google Bard was a generative text service that, like Chat-GPT, could show citations and descriptions that looked real but actually were not,” Cohen said. “Instead, I understood it to be a super-charged search engine and had repeatedly used it in other contexts to (successfully) find accurate information online.”
This is not the first time that the disgraced ex-lawyer has had a run in with the law. In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to tax evasion for his alleged part in arranging payouts for Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal in order for them to keep their “reported relationship with the former president a secret.”
In his punishment, Cohen served a three-year prison sentence. He is currently in the middle of his three-year term of supervised release.
Cohen used to have a close relationship with his former client Donald Trump. However, their relationship became bitter when Cohen shifted positions, becoming a key witness in the Manhattan criminal trial that targeted the Republican president.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
San Antonio police are hoping new evidence will lead to answers over the killing of a pregnant teen and her boyfriend.
Recent reports reveal the ‘National Instant Criminal Background Check System’ of the FBI holds records of nearly 14 million illegal immigrants in the system.
Hamas’ weaponization of sexual violence against Israeli women since October 7th is only a glimpse into how its sponsor, the Islamic Republic of Iran, has abused woman for decades.
As we quickly approach 2024, the U.S. is gearing up for what many are calling an election year like no other.
December 22, 2023 – 6:05 AM PST HONG KONG (Reuters) – Chinese regulators announced on Friday a wide range of rules aimed…
One of the main bottlenecks for Tesla is the speed it can make the 4680 batteries used in the Cybertruck with its new dry-coating technology.
A group of 11 nonfiction authors have joined a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court that accuses OpenAI and Microsoft of misusing books the authors have written to train their models.
San Francisco police Sergeant David Radford contacted Tesla about data on an alleged stalker’s remote access to a vehicle.
rnrn
What are the risks and concerns associated with using AI-generated legal citations, as highlighted by Michael Cohen’s case?
Href=”https://www.google.com”>https://www.google.com
What is Google Bard?
Google Bard is an AI-powered text generation service developed by Google. It is designed to generate human-like text, including legal citations and descriptions, to aid users in their research. The program uses advanced algorithms and natural language processing techniques to provide accurate and relevant information.
The Issue with AI-generated Legal Citations
The use of AI-generated legal citations poses certain risks, as highlighted by Michael Cohen’s recent admission. While these citations may appear legitimate and convincing, they can be misleading and inaccurate. This can have serious implications in legal proceedings, compromising the integrity of the court system and potentially leading to unjust outcomes.
Cohen’s case serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the importance of staying informed about emerging technological trends, especially in the legal field. It is crucial for legal professionals to thoroughly vet any information obtained through AI software to ensure its authenticity and reliability.
The Role of Lawyers in Verifying AI-generated Content
Lawyers have a responsibility to verify the accuracy of any content they submit to the court. While AI-powered tools can be useful in legal research, they should not be solely relied upon. It is essential for lawyers to exercise due diligence by cross-referencing information obtained from AI software with reliable sources and conducting comprehensive legal analysis.
Michael Cohen’s reliance on Google Bard without fully understanding its limitations highlights the need for enhanced education and guidance in the legal profession regarding the use of AI tools. Lawyers should be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions when incorporating AI technology into their practice.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The revelation of Michael Cohen’s use of AI-generated legal citations is a wake-up call for the legal community. It underscores the importance of staying updated on technological advancements and their potential implications in the legal field.
As AI continues to play a growing role in various industries, including law, it is crucial for legal professionals to embrace these advancements responsibly. This requires a balance between leveraging the benefits of AI technology while also being diligent in verifying the accuracy and integrity of AI-generated content.
Moreover, policymakers and regulatory bodies must address the use of AI in the legal profession and establish guidelines and ethical standards to ensure its proper and responsible utilization. This will help safeguard the integrity of the legal system and maintain public trust in the legal profession.
Conclusion
Michael Cohen’s admission of using AI-generated legal citations brings attention to the potential risks and challenges associated with the use of AI technology in the legal field. While AI can be a valuable tool, it should not replace the critical thinking and expertise of legal professionals.
The legal community must seize this opportunity to reflect upon the implications of AI and develop appropriate frameworks to ensure its responsible use. By embracing AI technology while maintaining the highest standards of legal practice, lawyers can enhance their capabilities and deliver justice more effectively.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
